Three ships from China’s People’s Liberation Army (Navy) (PLA(N)) arrived in Victoria today as part of a scheduled port visit. The ships will be at anchor outside Esquimalt Harbour for the next two days after which the ships will come alongside at Ogden Point from December 15 to 19..
Foreign navy vessels routinely visit Canada, helping to strengthen cooperation, goodwill and trust.
Members from Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Winnipeg will host the sailors from the visiting ships during their stay.
Canada and China have a defence relationship based on senior-level dialogue as well as discussions and cooperation on defence issues including Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response, peace support operations, and military education.
Quote
“I am pleased to welcome the sailors of the People’s Liberation Army (Navy) Ships Yancheng, Daqing, and Taihu to Victoria, home of Canada’s Pacific Naval Fleet. As Pacific countries, our navies have a shared interest in maintaining stability in the Asia-Pacific region. I look forward to engaging with the senior leadership and sailors over the next few days as they enjoy Victoria’s friendly hospitality.”
Rear-Admiral Art McDonald, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific
Quick Facts
The visiting People’s Liberation Army (Navy) ships are:
Type 903 Replenishment Ship Taihu; and
Type 054A Guided Missile Frigates Yancheng and Daqing.
A PLA(N) ship is scheduled to be open for public tours at the following times:
Thursday, December 15, from 12:30 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Friday, December 16, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 18, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
The last time ships from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (Navy) visited Victoria was in 2006.
The visits of foreign navy vessels are an important part of Canada’s commitment to collective security on the world’s oceans and an integral part of strengthening relationships and promoting cooperation among world navies. Showcasing Canada, its communities, and its hospitality to foreign navies is one way the Defence Team is working to strengthen relationships while also working to build and enhance emerging partnerships that will contribute to international peace and security.
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is building its relationship with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) by promoting bilateral cooperation and an ongoing defence dialogue between the two nations.
