The visiting flotilla comprises the training ship Qijiguang (Hull 83) and amphibious dock landing ship Kunlunshan (Hull 998).
The Qijiguang, serving as the flagship of the task group, docked at Lotus Port on the morning of July 5. The vessel is led by Senior Colonels Liu Zhanfeng and Xu Jianguo. Due to technical safety requirements, the Kunlunshan remained anchored at Anchorage No. 0 off Vung Tau.
A welcome ceremony was attended by Colonel Pham Tien Dung, Deputy Chief of Staff of Naval Region 2; representatives of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, the Coast Guard Region 3 Command, the Ministry of National Defence's Department of Foreign Relations, relevant military agencies, as well as officials from the Chinese Embassy in Vietnam and the Chinese Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.
During their stay, the taskforce's commanders will offer flowers at the President Ho Chi Minh Monument and pay courtesy calls on leaders of Ho Chi Minh City, Military Region 7 Command and Naval Region 2 Command.
Officers and sailors of the Chinese taskforce will also take part in friendly sports exchanges with personnel from Brigade 125 under Viet Nam's Naval Region 2, and visit historical sites and cultural landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City.
According to organisers, the visit is intended to realise the common perceptions reached by the senior leaders of the two Parties, countries and militaries on promoting more substantive defence cooperation. It is also expected to enhance mutual trust and understanding between the two navies and armies, contributing to further deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership between Việt Nam and China.
