A Chinese flotilla has conducted a joint anti-piracy exercise with the US Navy in the Gulf of Aden.

The Chinese guided-missile frigate Yuncheng and supply ship Chaohu finished an exercise mission with the USS guided missile crusier Sterret. The drills included conducting ship check, board and arrest, shooting and fighting pirates.

The exercise off the Horn of Africa is the first under a new code of conduct between the two navies that covers unplanned encounters at sea. The code was ratified in April. It’s seen as an encouraging sign the two sides want to minimize chances for misunderstanding.