China, Namibia hold joint naval drills

Chinese and Namibian warships conducted joint naval drills off Namibia's coastal town Walvis Bay Tuesday.

Yancheng and Luoyang, the two missile frigates and a helicopter from the 16th Escort Task Force of the Chinese navy, participated in the joint exercise with a Namibian navy ship, Xinhua reported.

In spite of strong wind from the Atlantic Ocean, the two navies practiced fleet formation and communication smoothly after dispatching officers to each other's ships.

At around 4 p.m., the joint exercise concluded as a success when the Chinese helicopter landed safely on the deck of Yancheng.

Li Pengcheng, Commander of the Chinese fleet, praised performances by Chinese and Namibian navies. He also expressed his belief that the first-ever joint naval operation would play an active role in enhancing understanding and friendship between the two armed forces.

The Chinese fleet, which consists of two missile frigates and a supply ship, was on its eight-country African tour after completing escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia. The missions had seen them escorting over 5,500 ships from various nations in dangerous waters infested with pirates.

The warships will dock at the Port of Walvis Bay Wednesday and begin their three-day friendly visit to the southwestern African country.