Chinese navy missile destroyer Guangzhou arrived in Karachi, southern Pakistan, on March 5 for the upcoming Aman-09 multinational naval exercise led by the Pakistani navy (WANG XIANG)

Chinese navy missile destroyer Guangzhou arrived at the Karachi naval shipyard in southern Pakistan on March 5 for the upcoming Aman-09 multinational naval exercise.

Under the slogan "Together for Peace," the exercise, led by the Pakistani navy, is scheduled to be conducted in the North Arabian Sea from March 5 to 14. It consists of harbor and sea phases, aimed at the development and improvement of Response Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (RTTP) with a focus on the global war on terrorism. Naval ships from Australia, Bangladesh, China, France, Japan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States will participate in the event, while 30 countries including Russia, Brazil and Indonesia will attend as observers.

Chen Yueqi, senior captain of Chinese navy missile destroyer Guangzhou, waves to the crowd at the welcoming ceremony on March 5 (WANG XIANG)

"The participation of missile destroyer Guangzhou showcases China's support for the China-Pakistani all-weather friendship. It will help the Chinese navy 'going out' to share experiences with its counterparts and enhance cooperation," Luo Zhaohui, Chinese ambassador to Pakistan, told Beijing Review at the welcome ceremony. "A grander image of the Chinese navy will be presented through the exercise, too. What's more, it is a testimony to China's determination and confidence in fighting against terrorism and intensifying international cooperation."

"Aman" is an Urdu word meaning "peace." This is the second exercise in the Aman series. The first was held in Karachi in 2007, when 23 ships including two Chinese guided missile frigates, Lianyungang and Sanming, participated in the weeklong exercise.

Backgrounder: Missile destroyer Guangzhou

Designed and built in China, the destroyer was commissioned in September 2004. It is 155 meters long and 17 meters wide, with a maximum displacement of over 5,800 tons and maximum speed of 30 knots. It is equipped with an artillery system, missile system, anti-submarine warfare system, C4ISR, electronic warfare system and shipborne helicopter system.

(Reporting from Karachi)