Chinese naval escort taskforce stops at Djibouti Port for replenishment

The amphibious dock landing ship "Changbaishan" of the 18th Chinese naval escort taskforce arrived at the Djibouti Port in the Republic of Djibouti on September 8, 2014, local time, for a 5-day-long replenishment and rest. This is the first time that the taskforce stopped at the Djibouti Port.

As the "Changbaishan" warship slowly sailed into the Djibouti Port at 10:00, local time, Fu Huaqiang, Chinese ambassador to Djibouti, along with officials from the Chinese embassy and representatives from China-funded institutions, welcomed the crew at the port.

Later, Ambassador Fu Huaqiang held discussion with Zhang Chuanshu and Ji Hongtao, respectively commander and deputy commander of the taskforce, and he also visited the "Changbaishan" warship.

According to the plan, the "Changbaishan" warship will replenish fuel, freshwater and other supplies including fresh vegetables and fruits during the stop, and organize the officers and men to go sightseeing and shopping onshore in orderly turns to feel the local customs.

To ensure the continuous and uninterrupted implementation of the escort mission, warships of the 18th naval escort taskforce take turns in carrying out replenishment and rest. One warship is arranged every time, while the other two warships continue the escort mission as planned.

It is learnt that when the "Changbaishan" warship stops for replenishment and rest, the guided missile frigate "Yuncheng" and the comprehensive supply ship "Chaohu" continue with the escort mission.