Chinese warships have pulled up to docks at the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas on the Persian Gulf as the countries prepare to conduct joint naval exercises.
"The voyage of the Chinese Army's fleet of warships for the first time in Persian Gulf waters is aimed at joint preparation of Iran and China for establishing peace, stability, tranquility, and multilateral and mutual cooperation," Admiral Amir Hossein Azad, commander of Iran's First Naval Zone, said Saturday.
On Sunday, official Chinese news agency Xinhua reported that Chinese Navy ships, including the Changchun, a guided-missile destroyer, stopped at an Iranian port for a "friendly visit." The ships carried 650 sailors that would compete in "sport events" with Iranian sailors, according to Iranian state newspaper Kayhan.
The visit is just one example of growing ties between China and Iran. A Chinese fleet commander, Rear Adm. Huang Xinjian, said the visit was intended to "deepen mutual understanding, and to enhance exchanges between our two countries’ navies."
"I’m sure that this visit will encourage the constant advancement of friendly cooperation between our two countries’ navies," Huang said.