BEIJING, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The navies of China and the United States will stage a search-and-rescue exercise in the South China Sea on Sunday, the Chinese Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday.

　　The exercise will involve China's guided missile destroyer "Zhanjiang," fuel tanker "Dongting Lake," the USS missile destroyer Fitzgerald and the USS Juneau (LPD 10), the U.S. navy's only forward-deployed amphibious transport dock.

　　The upcoming event is the second phase of the first-ever joint Sino-American search-and-rescue exercises, agreed on by Chinese and U.S. military leaders.

　　"These exercises will help improve understanding and build mutual trust between the two militaries, particularly the two navies," said a statement issued by the Chinese Defense Ministry.

　　The first phase last September consisted of communications and passing exercises held in the waters off Haiwaii.

　　Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet Gary Roughead arrived in Beijing on Sunday afternoon. He will oversee the joint search-and-rescue operation between the two navies.

　　During his week-long visit, Roughead will also meet with senior Chinese government officials and military officers.