China's escort fleet leaves Belgium after visit

After a five-day stay in the port of Antwerp in northern Belgium, China's 26th convoy fleet left on the next stop of its European tour on Tuesday.

The navy escort task force, which is usually stationed in the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters and comprises guided-missile frigates Huanggang and Yangzhou and the supply ship Gaoyouhu, slowly departed from the harbor.

Sailors standing in lines onboard waved to those who were seeing them off.

China's Ambassador to Belgium Qu Xing joined dozens of Belgian-Chinese, diplomats and Belgian Navy representatives, waving flags of both countries and singing national anthems.

Qu said the visit has been a "complete success", which has enhanced mutual understanding between the countries.

An unnamed Belgian Navy officer said: "It is a friendly visit, which has let Belgians have a close engagement with Chinese Navy force, and of course, it is a chance for the Belgian port to become even better known in China."

It was the first time the Chinese Navy formation had visited Belgium, but the missile frigate Wandelaar from the Belgian Navy visited Shanghai in 2000.

During the five days, ordinary Belgians and Europeans, Chinese-Belgians and Chinese people living in Europe have taken the opportunity to visit the frigates and supply ship and chat with the personnel.

And even some were lucky enough to be invited to eat with soldiers in their dinning halls, experiencing the "true life" of the Chinese Navy.

The Chinese Navy formation also organized a "board reception" to welcome the visitors and officials from Belgium during their stay.

The fleet commander Wang Zhongcai said the Chinese Navy fleet's visit to Antwerp had realized the goal of further enhancing mutual understanding and trust, and promote exchanges and cooperation between the two sides.

According to the fleet, Belgium is the first country China's 26th convoy fleet visited after completing its escort mission in Gulf of Aden and Somali waters, which they wrapped up in August.

China sent its first convoy fleet to Somali waters for an anti-piracy mission in December 2008.

China and the European Union have cooperated closely in the escort mission in the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters in recent years.

The EU identified China's performance in the region as one of the international responsibilities which the country has shouldered and for which it has gained global recognition.

fujing@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 09/20/2017 page11)