SANYA, Sept. 3 -- Chinese navy ships have returned to port following participation in a series of international naval exercises organized by the U.S. navy.

Chinese forces including a missile destroyer, a missile frigate, a supplier ship and a hospital ship set sail on June 9 to take part in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) naval drills.

It was the first time China had been involved in the exercise, which is held biennially on even years.

This year the maritime exercises lasted 38 days and saw participants from 22 countries. The exercises addressed a range of subjects from tactics and maneuvers to sea rescue.

Following the drill, three Chinese navy ships visited the United States before returning to port in Sanya in south China's Hainan province. The Peace Ark hospital ship is currently in the island nation of Vanuatu, providing medical services for locals.

"Soldiers and officers participated in the drill actively and with confidence. They successfully completed the missions, expanded Chinese navy's influence and won honors for the country, the people and the military," said navy commander Wu Shengli at the return ceremony.