Soldiers of the North China Sea Fleet, one of three fleets of the People’s Liberation Army Navy, salute on the missile destroyer Qingdao before departure, in Qingdao, East China’s Shandong province, Aug 20, 2013. The ship, carrying nearly 700 soldiers and a helicopter, will visit the United States, New Zealand and Australia, along with escort ship Linyi and depot ship Hongzehu. The fleet will participate in two maritime drills in the US and Australia. (Photo/Xinhua)
Missile escort ship Linyi will visit the US, Australia, and New Zealand with missile destroyer Qingdao and supply ship Hongzehu, beginning on Aug 20, 2013. (Photo/Xinhua)
A shipboard helicopter in charge of patrol, maritime rescue and antisubmarine operation will take part in the visits following the North China Sea Fleet, Aug 20, 2013. (Photo/Xinhua)
Crew members of the shipboard helicopter, Aug 20, 2013. (Photo/Xinhua)
Soldiers on Linyi line up before departure for the US, Australia, and New Zealand. (Photo/Xinhua)
Soldiers on Qingdao salute before departure for the US, Australia, and New Zealand.(Photo/Xinhua)
Missile destroyer Qingdao parked in Qingdao city, Shandong province, Aug 20, 2013. (Photo/Xinhua)
Soldiers on Linyi salute before departure for the US, Australia, and New Zealand. (Photo/Xinhua)
Naval Matters 