China has sent a missile destroyer to join the fourth military drills for the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus (or ADMM-Plus). The exercise is taking place in Brunei and Singapore and the waters off the two countries through May 12th.

The maritime security and anti-terrorism exercises will be in three sessions. The task force consists of 18 ships from the ten ASEAN members and eight partners --China, Russia, the US, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and India. Total strength of drills reaches over 3 thousand. Around 18 navy vessels, 17 helicopters, 2 maritime patrol aircrafts and many special operation teams are participating the exercise.

A spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense says the exercise will help boost pragmatic cooperation in defense and security.