Aust heads to world's biggest wargames

For the first time, Australian warships will exercise alongside ships from the Chinese navy in the world's biggest maritime exercise off Hawaii.

This is Rimpac 14, the US-hosted biennial military manoeuvres in which 23 nations practise everything from disaster relief to advanced fighting on land, at sea and in the air.

China has sent a destroyer, a frigate, supply ship and hospital ship. Australia is sending submarine HMAS Sheean, supply ship HMAS Success plus aircraft and ground forces.

In all, 48 ships, six submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are taking part.

Australian Contingent Commander Rear Admiral Simon Cullen said Rimpac provided the Australian Defence Force with the chance to operate alongside regional neighbours.

"The exercise is a unique opportunity to build interoperability and cultivate ties with the armed forces of Pacific Rim countries. It reflects the closeness of our alliance with the United States and the strength of our military relationships with other regional defence partners," he said in a statement.

Rimpac 2014, the 24th since the exercise series started in 1971, runs from June 26 to August 1.

There's considerable interest in China's participation, at a time of growing tensions over territorial claims in the South China Sea.

Rimpac exercises involve live firing of guns, missiles and torpedoes, often using old US ships as targets.