Chinese naval flotilla arrives in Mexico

A flotilla of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) arrived in the Mexican port of Acapulco on Tuesday to begin a friendly visit.

The visiting ships include the DDG-152 "Jinan", the FFG-548 "Yiyang" and the AOR-886 "Qiandaohu", and are commanded by Colonel Wang Jianxun, who is also deputy chief of staff of the PLAN South China Sea Fleet.

During an official ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Mexico Qiu Xiaoqi welcomed the delegation on behalf of Chinese businessmen, students and residents in Mexico.

Admiral Angel Enrique Sarmiento Beltran, commander of Mexico's 8th Naval District, extended a "most cordial welcome" to the Chinese ships from the Mexican navy.

"This visit will help tighten the bonds of friendship and goodwill between the two countries. We hope your objectives will be fully accomplished and we open our installations to you while you visit us," he said.

In return, Colonel Wang expressed his pleasure at leading this mission in Mexico, saying the quality of the reception had "deeply touched" him and his colleagues.

He added that the distance between China and Mexico had not stopped the effort to strengthen the bonds of friendship, and that commercial and military relations were entering a new phase.

"Bilateral military ties, especially between the navies, are going very well. They will be further strengthened and reach higher levels," Wang said.

During the flotilla's stay in Mexico, a series of cultural and sport activities will be held, including an exhibition of anti-terrorism equipment.

Prior to visiting Mexico, the flotilla stopped in Cuba, where they participated in festivities marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Beijing and Havana. Endit