China’s People’s Liberation Army (Navy) Ships anchor in Ogden Point (Victoria) and offer tours for public

Ships from China’s People’s Liberation Army (Navy) (PLA(N)) are visiting Victoria, B.C. this week after a decade. The scheduled port visit will last two days.

“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,” said RAdm. Art McDonald, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific.

The three ships that are currently anchored in Esquimalt include Type 903 Replenishment Ship Taihu and Type 054A Guided Missile Frigates Yancheng and Daqing.

While in Victoria, the PLA(N) ships will be open for public tours and members of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Winnipeg will host sailors from the visiting ships.

After their two-day visit in the Esquimalt Harbour, the ships will come alongside at Ogden Point from Dec. 15 to 19.

According to a National Defence/RCN press release, Canada and China have a defence relationship based on senior-level dialogue as well as discussions and cooperations on issues such as Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response, peace support operations, and military education.

“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,” stated the press release.

The A PLA(N) ship will be open for public tours at Ogden Point on:

Thursday, Dec, 15 from 12:30 p.m. until 4 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 18 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Feactured image: MARPAC/FMAR(P) ‏@MARPAC_FMARP 2h2 hours ago
3 #PLA(N) ships have anchored outside Esquimalt Harbour getting ready for their arrival in Victoria on Thursday.