Chinese naval frigate "Xiangfan" left Sanya Port, in the southern Hainan Province, on Friday for Singapore to take part in a multilateral naval exercise from May 15 to 20.

The Xiangfan will also feature in a maritime defense exhibition sponsored by the host country.

Fifteen warships from China, the United States, France, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore are expected to join the exercise in waters near Singapore.

The Xiangfan will take part in four drills -- defence against smaller vessels, crossing mined areas, rescue, and target shooting, according to sources of the Chinese Navy.

The exercise, under the framework of the Western Pacific Naval Forum, of which China is a founding member, is aimed to increase cooperation among naval forces.

During the exhibition, the Xiangfan will be open to visitors from other participating vessels, the naval sources said.

Source: Xinhua