The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has joined the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in a unique live-firing naval exercise off the Shandon Peninsular in the South China Sea.

The Australian frigate, HMAS Warramunga, has successfully completed the first live-firing exercise with the Chinese Navy.

The frigate will continue the firing exercise with PLA this week, according to Australia.to.

The exercise will also include joint helicopter operations, search and rescue drills, and personnel exchanges.

The Australian chief of navy Vice Admiral Russ Crane said that RAN, for the first time, was undertaking a complex naval exercise with the PLA Navy.