An Australian naval vessel arrived in Qingdao, a port city in east China's Shandong province, Sunday morning for a joint naval search-and-rescue exercise with the North China Sea Fleet of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy to be held on October 14.

Chinese guided missile destroyer Harbin and the Australian frigate Anazc, led by Rowan Moffitt, chief of staff of Australian maritime headquarters, will be present in the drill.

It is the first time for the two navies to conduct cooperation in the nontraditional security area.

The Australian vessel, with a crew of 191 aboard, will stay in the port city for five days and hold a series of friendly, cultureand sports activities.

Australian frigate Anaza arrived in Qingdao, a port city in east China's Shandong province on October 10 for a five-day goodwill visit. Australian navy will conduct a marine search-and-rescue exercise with the Chinese counterpart in China's open waters.

Rowan Moffitt (C), chief of staff of Australian maritime headquarters, and Captain of Anaza are presenting koala toys in return to the Chinese child who presents him flower.