San Diego on Thursday welcomed the Chinese Navy's hospital ship Peace Ark.
The ship, which is docked at the Broadway Pier in downtown for five days, is visiting the mainland for the first time.
"This ship is in San Diego to share information with the crew of the USS Mercy," Commanding officer Sun Tao said. "The U.S. Navy's hospital ship."
The ship has more than 100 doctors and nurses on board. There are also beds for up to 300 patients.
Tao said people from different countries have their own way to defeat diseases. This makes it useful for the two countries to share training ideas as a way to deepen understanding and friendship.
The San Diego stop features public tours and check-ups for Chinese nationals living in the United States.
In the past, it visited Hawaii but public access there was limited.
The Peace Ark has sailed more than 130,000 nautical miles and visited 25 countries.