Chinese naval escort fleet visits Germany

HAMBURG, Germany - The 18th Chinese naval escort fleet arrived Monday in the German port city of Hamburg for a good will visit to Germany.

This is the second visit paid by Chinese naval ships to Germany following the previous one in 2001.

The escort fleet, comprising of the amphibious landing ship Changbaishan, the frigate Yuncheng and the supply ship Chaohu, was welcomed by more than 700 people after its arrival in the Hamburg port at noon on Monday, including Chinese Ambassador to Germany Shi Mingde, representatives of Germany-based Chinese and overseas Chinese students as well as German naval officers and sailors.

Rear Admiral Zhang Chuanshu, deputy chief of staff of the South China Sea Fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy and commanding officer of the 18th Chinese naval escort fleet, said during a welcome ceremony that the visit was of great importance to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation with the German Navy, and to further enhance the friendship between China and Germany as well as the two navies.

During their five-day stay in Hamburg, Chinese naval soldiers are expected to pay visits to the Navy Memorial and military academies in the city. They will also conduct exchanges with the German side on training, escort missions, and counter-piracy operations.

In addition, the visiting Chinese naval ships will be opened to the public during the visit.

The 18th Chinese naval escort fleet has began its Europe visit after wrapping up in December a 4-month escort mission in the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters. It has provided escort for a total of 135 Chinese and foreign ships in 48 batches.

Hamburg is the second stop of the escort fleet's visit after Britain. The trip will also take it to the Netherlands, France and Greece.