Chinese naval fleet visits Vietnam to boost naval ties

CAM RANH -- A Chinese naval fleet arrived in Cam Ranh Port in central Vietnam on Saturday for a five-day visit to the country to promote military ties between the two sides.

The 23rd Chinese naval escort task force comprises Xiangtan, Zhoushan and Chaohu of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy.

The visit to Vietnam is the last stop of the fleet on their way home after completing escort missions in the Gulf of Aden, the waters off Somali and visiting Myanmar, Malaysia and Cambodia, said Senior Colonel Wang Hongli, commander of the task force, while addressing the media.

The PLA Navy and the Vietnam Navy have strengthened communication and cooperation in recent years. Till now, the two navies have held joint patrols in Beibu Bay for 20 times, under which joint exercises and ship mutual visits, among others, were conducted, Wang said.

"This visit will enhance mutual understanding and promote friendship, thus contributing to bilateral relationship at the government and military levels," said Wang, adding that mutual visit and football match will be held in the following days.

Chinese naval fleets have visited Vietnam several times since 2001. However, this is the first time for the Chinese naval fleet to visit Cam Ranh Port after it was opened as an international port in March this year.