Chinese Naval Ships Visit Germany

A flotilla of two Chinese naval ships sailed on Tuesday into the port of Wilemshaven, Germany for a three-day goodwill visit, the first ever to Europe by warships of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

The flotilla of the guided missile destroyer Shenzhen and the supply ship Feng Cang sailed out of Shanghai on August 23 and made a voyage of 11,000 nautical miles before arriving here.

The flotilla received a warm welcome from Germany's navy top brass, the mayor of Wilemshaven and local people of Chinese origin.

Germany is the first leg of the flotilla's four-nation European tour. After Germany, the ships will travel on to Britain, France and Italy.

(People’s Daily 09/26/2001)