Chinese naval ships visit Victoria
Judith Lavoie, Times Colonist
Published: Monday, September 25, 2006
Red and white signs, strung along the sides of two Chinese warships which sailed into Victoria Monday, underlined a growing friendship between the Canadian navy and the People’s Liberation Army-Navy.
"Warmly Welcome Patriotic Overseas Chinese and Canadian Friends Aboard," said the sign on the supply ship Hongzehu, while the guided-missile destroyer Qingdao sported a sign reading "Make a Friendship Bridge. Welcome Friendly Visitors."
The Maple Leaf flew alongside the Chinese flag, which represents Communism, revolution and the people of China, as 500 Chinese sailors, dressed in spotless white uniforms, lined up on board for the official welcome from Commodore Bruce Donaldson, commander of Canadian Fleet Pacific.
"We have a very good professional relationship between the two nations," Donaldson said.
Rear Admiral Wang Fushan, deputy commander of the Chinese Navy North Sea Fleet, speaking to reporters through an interpreter, said the purpose of the visit to Canada is to enhance the mutual friendship and trust between the two nations.
"We cherish the traditional friendship between the two peoples and the two militaries," he said.
"As two navies, we both share a lot of similarities. So far, we haven’t seen any differences, yet."
When asked whether the sometimes sticky, relationship between China and the west is improving, Fushan said the aim is to pursue "a very good relationship with all the countries throughout the world."
The Chinese navy first visited Victoria in 2000 and Canadian naval vessels have paid three visits to Chinese ports.
It took the two Chinese ships 80 days to travel 15,000 nautical miles to North America. Before landing in Victoria they visited Pearl Harbour and San Diego.
This week there will be a Chinese/Canadian soccer game, a tug of war, basketball game and Chinese sailors will be shown the sights by members of the Victoria Chinese community -- who were given a guided tour around the ships Monday.
On Friday morning, as the Chinese ships leave, they will take part in an exercise with a Canadian naval ship.
"HMCS Vancouver will sail with them for some basic communication exercises and personnel exchange for a brief period, just so we get to know each other a little bit better," Donaldson said.
The Chinese ships will not be open for public tours.
