A formal welcome ceremony for Frigate 015 and the Vietnamese naval delegation was held at Qingdao Pier, chaired by representatives of the Staff Department of the North Sea Fleet of the Chinese Navy. Attending the ceremony was Senior Colonel Do Trong Duong, Deputy Defense Attaché of Vietnam in China. 

After the ceremony, officers of the Chinese Navy toured the Vietnamese frigate, the Vietnamese delegation and crew-members of Frigate 015, then visited the Chinese Navy’s vessel Weifang. 

During their staying in China, the delegation and crew of Frigate 015 will pay courtesy calls on the leadership of the North Sea Fleet and the authorities of Qingdao City; take part in several exchange activities with the Chinese Navy; and conduct joint sea training between Frigate 015 and Chinese naval vessels. These activities aim to strengthen cooperation, promote mutual understanding, and enhance trust between the two navies in particular and between the militaries of Vietnam and China in general.

Earlier, during the voyage from Cam Ranh Military Port in Khanh Hoa province to Qingdao, despite complicated weather conditions with rough seas and strong winds, the officers and sailors of Frigate 015 strictly maintained discipline, ensured the ship’s technical readiness, and completed the voyage safely and as planned. At the same time, the delegation and crew-members actively prepared for defense diplomacy activities within the framework of the mission.

Below are photos of the event. 

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Frigate 015 - Tran Hung Dao prepares to dock at Qingdao Port.
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The bow-line team of Frigate 015 and Chinese naval personnel secure mooring lines.
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The Vietnam People’s Navy delegation salutes the port.
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Welcome ceremony for the Vietnamese delegation at Qingdao Pier
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Chinese Navy band performing at the ceremony
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Representatives of the Staff Department of the North Sea Fleet welcome the delegation.
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Chinese children present flowers to greet the guests.
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Representatives of the North Sea Fleet and Chinese naval officers visit Frigate 015.

Reported by Manh Hung

Translated by Tran Hoai