Chinese naval squadron arrives in S. Korean port from Gulf of Aden

A Chinese naval squadron docked at a port in Korea's southeastern coastal city of Busan on Thursday for exchanges with the Korean Navy as it was returning home following its anti-pirate mission in the waters of the Gulf of Aden off Somalia.

The flotilla of Chinese warships is comprised of the 4,050-ton frigate Daqing, the 4,200-ton destroyer Qingdao and the 2,300-ton supply ship Taihu.

The three Chinese warships left Qingdao, in China's eastern Shandong Province, in December 2015 for the gulf to carry out the escort mission against pirates. 

A Chinese naval fleet is docked at a port in South Korea's southeastern coastal city of Busan on Thursday. The 22nd fleet of the Chinese navy escort is comprised of the 4,050-ton frigate Daqing, the 4,200-ton destroyer Qingdao and the 2,300-ton supply ship Taihu. (Yonhap)

The squadron's port call marked the sixth visit to Korea by a Chinese naval fleet since February 2002, when two Chinese frigates arrived at a port in Incheon, west of Seoul.

The Chinese ships have maintained friendly relations with Korea's Cheonghae Unit that was sent on a mission to combat piracy, holding consultation meetings with Cheonghae for anti-pirate operations and conducing joint drills.

During its five-day stay in Busan, crewmembers from the Chinese ships will take part in activities including the cross-opening of warships with the South Korean Navy, a friendly sports event and programs designed to help them understand Korean culture.

The leadership of the Chinese squadron is scheduled to pay a visit to the Korean Naval Academy Friday to tour the educational facilities there. (Yonhap)