Chinese navy training ship makes second visit to Tonga [1]
Tuesday, August 14, 2012 - 22:16. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
The Zheng He at Queen Salote wharf
The Zheng He, a training ship of the Navy of China's People's Liberation Army, arrived in Nuku'alofa on August 11 on a four day friendly visit, on its second trip to Nuku'alofa.
Captain Toni Fonokalafi of the Tonga Defence Services said this afternoon, that the Zheng He was on a six month long world voyage to 11 countries, led by the Deputy Chief of Staff of the PLA Navy, Admiral Liao Shining.
He said the voyage by the training ship with over 300 sailors including 100 plus cadets, aimed to strengthen China's friendship with various countries including Tonga.
The TDS and the chinese officers and cadets held sports events and a brass bands exchange. The Chinese sailors also visited local high schools in the capital.
Captain Fonokalafi said, a farewell ceremony would be held at the Queen Salote wharf at 10:00am on August 15 before the ship departs Nuku'alofa for Darwin.
The Zheng He visted Tahiti before coming to Tonga.
The “Zheng He” is understood to be the PLA Navy’s first purpose built training ship for navy cadets. It is designed for long distance voyages and fitted with weapon systems, air and surface radar, classrooms and with training on subjects ranging from navigation and communications.