A Chinese naval fleet which is formed by the Shenzhen missile destroyer and Weishanhu depot ship of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China, Friday arrived Thailand's Sattahip Navy Port for a four-day friendship visit to Thailand.

On board the Chinese ships were Rear Admiral Han Linzhi, Deputy Commander of the South Sea Fleet, and other Chinese Navy officers.

Royal Thai Admiral Vichai Yuwanangoon, Deputy Commander of Royal Thai Navy, and other officers received the ships.

Welcome the ships at the Sattahip Port were also thousands of visitors with flags of both countries in hands. As the ships drew close, banners in Chinese "Welcomes PLA Navy Fleet" were unfolded and the bands of both the navies played. Many overseas Chinese and local Thais waved flowers and expressed their excitement.

The two ships have a total crew of 544. The destroyer is equipped with surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles. It has a Harbin Z9C helicopter on board. During their stay here, there will be exchange of visits between Thai and Chinese Navy personnel.

On Friday, some Chinese Navy officers visited the Chakri Nareubet aircraft carrier of the Royal Thai Navy which based in the Sattahip Navy Port. The Chakri Nareubet is the first Asian aircraft carrier which is a modified version of the Spanish Principe de Asturias.

The Chinese fleet will hold a joint military exercise in the respect of marine search and rescue with the Thai Navy. The exercise is aimed at ensuring the safety of maritime trade and improving search and rescue coordination at sea.

It will be the first time for the Chinese navy to conduct joint military exercise with the Royal Thai Navy in the Gulf of Thailand.

Source: Xinhua