Chinese naval forces involved in anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden have held their first joint drill with NATO ships carrying out the same mission.
The exercise happened on Wednesday, China's Defence Ministry said.
Official pictures have been issued of Chinese and NATO officers chatting on the bridge of a ship and simulating a commando raid, with the exercise seen as a sign the Asian superpower is seeking a bigger global security role.
The drill would help improve communications between ships on anti-piracy duties so China and NATO can together maintain maritime security and stability, the ministry added.
China, whose merchant ships and oil tankers are heavy users of the waters off Yemen and Somalia, has been an enthusiastic participant in the anti-piracy patrols.
Earlier this year Chinese warships helped evacuate people from Yemen's civil war.
China has been trying to assume a more proactive foreign security policy, as it seeks a role commensurate with its position as the world's second largest economy.
This week, China said it was in talks with the Horn of Africa country Djibouti to build logistics "facilities" to support Chinese peacekeeping and anti-piracy missions.
In an effort to dampen fears about Chinese plans connected to its increasingly modern and confident military, Beijing has repeatedly said it does not want military bases abroad.
However, experts say China will eventually have to overcome its discomfort about overseas bases, as its forces are drawn into protecting its growing overseas interests.
