The Chinese naval training vessel Zheng He arrived yesterday in Suva on a two-day stop to build cordial relations with Fiji.

The Chinese Naval Academy superintendent Rear Admiral Yan Zhengming said the visit was important for China to continue strengthening ties between the two countries.

“Peaceful friendship with Fiji is important for us and China, and we would like to build a much stronger bond between the two countries,” Rear Admiral Zhengming said.

The ship, named after the great Chinese navigator Zheng He, was warmly greeted by the local Chinese community and the Ministry of Defence, National Security and Immigration officials led by Permanent Secretary for Defence, Osea Cawaru during ceremonies at the Kings Wharf in Suva.

The People’s Liberation Army Navy Ship  Zheng He is carrying 349 officers and men on board, among them are 169 midshipmen out of which 17 midshipmen are females.

Zheng He was commissioned 30 years ago.

It has trained over 10,000 midshipmen for at-sea training visiting 29 countries so far.

The vessel Zheng He left Dalilan Harbour in China on October 24.

During the current voyage, Zheng He has visited Jakarta, Indonesia; Sydney, Australia, and Auckland, New Zealand.

The Zheng He will leave Suva tomorrow.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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