China
Naval ships leave for Russia, Britain, Spain, France
Source: Xinhuanet | 07-25-2007 14:00
Special Report: 80th Anniversary of PLA |
Guided missile destroyer Guangzhou [Photo: Xinhua]
Two Chinese naval vessels left China on Tuesday for an 87-day tour that will take them to Russia, Britain, Spain and France.
The guided missile destroyer Guangzhou and the supply ship Weishanhu are under the command of Major General Su Zhiqian, deputy commander of the South China Sea Fleet of the Chinese Navy.
The Guangzhou -- 155 meters long, 16 meters wide and with a displacement of 5,850 tons -- is said to be one of China's newest naval vessels.
The two ships will travel more than 23,000 nautical miles, stopping in Russia's Saint Petersburg, Britain's Portsmouth, Spain's Cadiz, and France's Toulon in succession.
More than 500 soldiers and officers are on board the vessels. They will join activities for the Year of China in Saint Petersburg and hold joint rescue exercises with the British, Spanish and French navies.
