US admiral: China naval strength no surprise

"The US intends to garner more support from the international community and demonstrate its global leadership," said Pan Zheng, a senior researcher in US strategy at National Defense University.

Beijing-based military strategist Wang Jinling said it's important for the two countries to enhance exchanges.

Roughead will attend the 60th anniversary of the founding of the PLA navy in Qingdao, Shandong province, on Thursday.

Twenty-one ships from 14 foreign naval forces - including the US, Mexico, France, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea - gathered in Qingdao on Sunday. They will join the fourth fleet review in China since 1949.

The event is important for the two navies, said Captain Francisco Gonzalez of Mexican ship ARM Cuauhtemoc upon arrival in Qingdao on Sunday.

Cui Xiaohuo in Qingdao contributed to the story

Editor:Liu Anqi