A 10-member Chinese delegation left Beijing Friday morning, to observe a large-scale US military exercise, at the invitation of Admiral William J. Fallon, commander of the US Pacific Command.

As part of exchanges between the two armies, the visit is good for the two sides to promote mutual understanding and trust, said a spokesman of the Ministry of Defense, adding that it also helps the two sides to learn from each other and promotes the development of the two armies.

Six of the delegation members are officers from the army, the air force and the navy, including three generals, while the other four are either diplomats or journalists.

It is the first time that China sends observers to watch exercises by American military in the territory of the United States. It is also the first time that China has been invited to observe exercises solely conducted by US army.

On June 5, the US Pacific Command announced that US Army plans to hold a large-scale exercise in the sea area of Guam on June 19-23. Three aircraft carrier fleets will take part in the exercises, involving a total of 30 warships, 280 warplanes and 22,000 service people.

In 2003 and 2005, China invited US military personnel to observe exercises conducted by Chinese troops. 
 
(Xinhua News Agency June 17, 2006)