Chinese task group bound for Finland after Baltic Sea drills with Russia

Authorities

After concluding their drills with the Russian Navy in the Baltic Sea, ships from the Chinese Navy’s task group are scheduled to visit Finland for a regularly scheduled port call.

Three Chinese warships, Type 052D destroyer Hefei (DDG-174), Type 054A frigate Yuncheng (571) and Type 903 replenishment ship Luomahu (964), are currently taking part in the Maritime Cooperation 2017 exercise.

The exercise, which started July 21 and is set to conclude on July 28, is taking place under close watch of NATO SNMG1 ships.

The Russian Navy is participating with Project 20380 corvettes Steregushchiy and Boikiy, fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.

According to an announcement by the Finnish defense forces, the Chinese task group is expected to arrive in Finland on August 1 for a four-day visit. The ship will berth at Katajanokka, Port of Helsinki, where they will host an open ship event on August 2.

A navy spokesperson said the visit was a routine port call with no exercises or other activities planned.