Chinese Navy ships makes first visit to Tonga

Two Chinese Navy ships began the first visit to the south Pacific island kingdom of Tonga on Friday.

The training vessel, Zhenghe, and the frigate, Mian Yang, with hundreds of sailors on board arrived in Tonga capital of Nuku' alofa on Friday on a four-day goodwill visit.

During the visit, there will be a "Public Day" for the training vessel to be open to the public.

Chinese Navy Rear Admiral Leng Zhenqing, who serves as the commander of the visiting formation, said they have brought greetings from the government and people of China to Tonga.

In a meeting with Tongan Prime Minister Feleti Sevele on Friday, Leng said the visit is aimed at enhancing friendship and strengthening military cooperation between China and Tonga.

Leng Zhenqing also met with Tonga Foreign Minister Sonatane Tu' akinamolahi Taumoepeau-Tupou, Tonga Defense Service Commander Brigadier T 'Uta'atu on Friday.

Tonga is the third stop of the Chinese Navy ships' port call which has brought them to Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, and will take them to New Zealand and Australia.

Source: Xinhua