PLA medical vessel returns after intl mission

ZHOUSHAN, Zhejiang - The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's "Peace Ark", a medical vessel, returned Saturday to a military port in Zhoushan in East China's Zhejiang province after visits to eight Asian countries and the Gulf of Aden.

The journey lasted 125 days, covered 21,000 nautical miles and completed the PLA Navy's "Mission-Harmony-2013."

The vessel, which set off on June 10, took part in multi-national disaster relief and reduction drills as well as cross-border naval medical services.

It provided medical services to foreign soldiers and officers on  missions in the Gulf of Aden. It also visited Brunei, Pakistan and Bangladesh, among eight Asian countries, and offered medical treatment to local people.

"Peace Ark" has conducted physical examinations, outpatient services, medical operations and exchanges. It treated over 30,000 people and performed almost 300 surgical procedures.

The vessel also participated in the rescue of fishermen in waters off Xisha Islands, on its way home.

Over the past five years, "Peace Ark" has carried out three major overseas missions to Asia, Africa and Latin America.