Chinese Navy Escort Task Group Visit Cape Town

The flourishing of any economy solely depends on the strategic international relations with other countries around the world. The visit of the Chinese Navy Escort Task Group is an important symbol of the friendly exchanges and cooperation between the South African Navy and the People’s Liberation Army Navy of China (PLAN).

R Adm R. Higgs welcoming the Senior Officer of the Chinese Naval Task Group

The Chinese Navy Escort Task Group arrived in Cape Town at the V&A Waterfront on 17 June 2014. The Task Group comprised of three modern Type 054A missile frigates FFG-546 YANCHENG, the Type 053H3 missile frigate FFG-527 LUOYANG and the new Type 903 replenishment ship AOE-889 TAIHU. The aim of the visit is to renew international relations and to enhance contact between the South African Navy and the Chinese Navy.

Guard of Honour standing by to welcome the guests	Members present to welcome the arriving ships

On the quay side the SAN Band was playing and the South African Navy Guard of Honour formed up, together with two dancing Chinese Dragons on the opposite side and the guests, all waiting in anticipation for the arrival of the visiting ships.

The first Chinese ship to arrive on the day at V&A Waterfront	The Chinese ship YANGCHEND arriving about to dock
Members onboard waving on their arrival	The third Chinese ship to arrive

The Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Mr HE Tian Xuejun was welcomed on his arrival by Chief Naval Staff (CNS), R Adm R. Higgs. The Chinese Ambassador together with CNS, welcomed the Commanding Officer of the Escort Task Group, (Deputy Chief of Staff of the North Sea Fleet of PLAN), Senior Captain Li Pengcheng.

Chinese Ambassador Tian Xuejun welcoming the Task Group	The Chinese Task Group Senior Officer delivering a speech
Guard of Honour on board the Chinese ship	The Senior Officer of the Chinese Naval Task Group inspecting the guard

In his speech, R Adm Higgs said the arrival of the Task Group to South Africa was an historical occasion as it was the first time the Chinese Navy visited Cape Town, South Africa. He said the clear skies which are rare during winter seasons in Cape were an indication that the PLAN of China was truly welcomed in Cape Town.

Chief Naval Staff R Adm R. Higgs receiving a gift from the officer in charge	Some of the performances by the Chinese entertainment group
R Adm R. Higgs being interviewed by the Chinese TV	The Chinese TV interviewing the Senior Officer of the Task Group

After the welcoming speeches, R Adm Higgs was taken on a tour of the Type 054A missile frigate FFG-546 YANCHENG. While on board he was interviewed by the Chinese television channel. He emphasized how this visit would boost the mutual understanding and friendship between China and South Africa.

The two countries are preparing to make this visit a complete success by continuing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in peace and security affairs and make greater contributions to the long-term peace, stability and security of Africa.