"The navy is growing to assure the flow of resources" to China's booming economy and is "developing very, very good capabilities," Admiral Gary Roughead, US chief of naval operations, told reporters in Paris.

"They are moving forward with a navy that is being seen more... in areas further from their homeland," he said.

"It's important to develop a cooperative relationship with the (Chinese) navy because they are somewhat opaque when it comes to intentions," he added.

"It's important that that becomes clearer not simply to us but all countries in the region and beyond."

Roughead spoke at the end of a visit to France during which he discussed cooperation with French naval leaders, with whom he oversees joint operations such as fighting Somalia-based pirates in the Gulf of Aden.

He hailed progress made by navies from various countries including China in jointly patrolling that key shipping route, where pirates have carried out numerous kidnappings, but warned it was a long-term struggle.

"Without the rule of law ashore, we'll be chasing pirates for quite a while," he said.

Roughead said he had visited the French nuclear aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle which is due to deploy in coming months to provide support for troops fighting alongside US and NATO forces against the Taliban in Afghanistan.

"The capability and the capacity that the Charles de Gaulle brings is greatly appreciated," he said.

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