Chinese Navy (Peoples Liberation Army Navy- PLA Navy) Training Ship ‘Zheng He’ called at Kochi todate on 09 May 12. Rear Admiral Liao Shining Deputy Chief of Naval Staff PLAN was embarked on board as the Task Commander.
His Excellency Mr Zhang Yan , Ambassador of China to India also arrived in Kochi along with the Defence Attache of China in India Major General Cai Ping to receive the Chinese Warship.
The Chinese Ship was received at the berth by Indian Navy Officials with Southern Naval Command Band in attendance. Later the Chinese Ambassador accompanied by Task Force Commander, Senior Captain Jiang Guoping , Superintendent of Dalian Naval Academy and Captain Fan Kuizu met Rear Admiral Sudarshan Shrikhande , Chief of Staff of Southern Naval Command and Officiating Flag Officer Commanding in Chief. The itinerary of the visiting ship at Kochi includes mutual visits, friendly sports matches and a joint Band performance at Sagarika auditorium. The Cadets on board the ship are also expected to visit the Maritime Museum at INS Dronacharya.
Zheng He will leave Kochi on 13th May.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , May 11, 2012; Image: Indian Navy