China already has four vessels participating in the Rimpac exercise, including the hospital ship Peace Ark. BBC

China Sends Spy Ship Off Hawaii During U.S.-Led Drills -- Reuters

(Reuters) - China has sent a spy ship to international waters off of Hawaii during a giant U.S.-led naval exercise involving 22 countries, even as Beijing participates in the drills for the first time this year, the U.S. Navy said on Sunday.

The Navy played down any U.S. intelligence risk associated with the proximity of the Chinese surveillance vessel and noted that China also sent a similar ship to monitor the last Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise two years ago.

"We've taken all necessary precautions to protect our critical information," said Captain Darryn James, chief spokesman of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

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More News On Chinese Spy Ship Observing U.S. Led Navy Drills Involving 22 Countries

China 'spy ship' at US-led navy exercise off Hawaii -- BBC
Chinese spy ship crashes the party during U.S.-led naval exercise off Hawaii - despite Beijing taking part in the same drills -- Daily Mail
China Spy Ship Lurks as Vessels Join U.S. in Naval Drill -- Bloomberg
Chinese spy ship surveys US-led drills off Hawaii -- RT
China Ship Sent to Spy on RIMPAC Naval Exercises -- VOA
Beijing Sends Spy Ship for US-Led Naval Drills -- RIA Novosti