Royal Navy destroyer HMS Exeter has carried out trailblazing exercises with the Chinese Navy in the Yellow Sea.

The Search and Rescue (SAR) exercise scenario featured a joint operation between the two navies to rescue injured personnel from a stricken vessel.

Type 42 destroyer HMS Exeter and RFA Grey Rover, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker, worked with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (Navy) (PLAN) ship Harbin to carry out a successful rescue exercise.

In what is believed to be a first, the Chinese and British helicopters – a Lynx Mk 8 and Chinese Dauphin – crossed over to land on each other’s vessels as simulated casualties received medical aid while personnel and equipment transferred between the vessels.

The British warships have visited three Chinese ports, including Shanghai, Hong Kong and Quindao, and each stop-off has seen a warm reception from their Chinese hosts.

At a reception in Quindao, Exeter’s Commanding Officer Cdr Andrew Reed said: “My crew have had a wonderful welcome from the North Sea Fleet Command and from the Government and people of Quindao.

“We have enjoyed this opportunity to see this fascinating city and country.”

The relationship between the two navies on either side of the globe has been strengthened through mutual operations, building a better understanding between the two forces and countries.

The destroyer and tanker are in the Asia Pacific region flying the flag for the UK’s commitment to the security and stability of the area.

Coming shortly is a visit to Japan, the Philippines and Brunei, before the ship returns home to Portsmouth near the end of this year.