SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- People's Liberation Army (Navy) (PLA(N)) ships, Jiangkai II-class frigates Yancheng (FFG 546) and Daqing (FFG 576), and Fuchi-class oiler Tai Hu (AOR 889), arrived in San Diego as part of a routine port visit, Dec. 6-9.

Guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) will host the PLA(N) ships in San Diego, where Sailors from both navies will participate in sporting events and cultural exchanges.

"Practical cooperation, such as port visits and key leader engagements, helps us enhance transparency and mitigate risks when we operate at sea," said Rear Adm. James S. Bynum,
commander, Carrier Strike Group 9. "Continuous dialogue is necessary to find where we share interests and also to address disagreements candidly if they arise."

This is the third time PLA(N) ships have visited San Diego since 2014.

"It is my hope that your time in San Diego will help increase that understanding we have of one another," said Bynum. "Port visits by foreign navies help build trust and foster cooperative relationships."

Following the port visit, PLA(N) ships will join USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) at sea and will conduct a maneuvering exercise.

The exercise is one of many evolutions aimed at building relationships while practicing our at-sea communication techniques with partner nations.

Joint, interagency, and international partnerships strengthen 3rd Fleet's ability to respond to crises and protect the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners.