Chinese Sailors Visit UK’s Newest Warship

Chinese sailors visiting Portsmouth have been treated to a tour of the Royal Navy’s newest warship.

Fifty crew members from the assault ship Chang Bai Shan were shown around the hi-tech Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan in Portsmouth Naval Base.

The Chang Bai Shan is one of three Chinese Naval ships in the city for a five-day visit aimed at enhancing military understanding between the UK and China.

On board Duncan the visitors were shown inside the hangar, bridge and weapon decks and were told about the basic roles and capabilities of the 7,350-tonne air defence vessel.

Her Commanding Officer, Commander Rich Atkinson, said: “We were delighted to welcome our guests on board. Engagement and dialogue between our two militaries is useful given that we share similar global challenges including counter-piracy, preventing conflict, protecting our citizens overseas and supporting UN peacekeeping efforts.”

Chang Bai Shan arrived in Portsmouth on Sunday with the frigate Yun Cheng and replenishment ship Chaohu. They have just completed counter piracy escort operations in the Gulf of Aden.

During the five-day visit senior officers from both Navies will discuss various maritime topics including recent counter-piracy operations across the Indian Ocean.

Crew members from all three vessels will also be given tours of local attractions including HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose.

The vessels leave Portsmouth on Friday morning and head for Kiel in Germany.

Press Release