By Zhang Yao and Cai Ye

The cesarean section is in progress. (Photo by Zhang Yazhongjian)

LOME, Nov. 4 -- On November 3, 2026, the second day of medical services rendered by the Chinese PLA Navy's hospital ship Auspicious Ark (Hull 868) during its port call in Lomé, Togo, a local pregnant woman safely gave birth to a baby girl via cesarean section at 3:18 p.m., with both mother and child in good condition.

This is the second "Auspicious baby" born on the hospital ship since the launch of the Mission Harmony 2026, and the parents named the child "Jixiang" (meaning auspicious). On September 16, 2026, the hospital ship welcomed its first "Auspicious baby" — "Youyi" (meaning friendship) — during its visit to Mauritania.

Medical staff assigned to the Chinese PLA Navy's hospital ship Auspicious Ark hold up the newborn baby girl. (Photo by Zhang Yao)

The baby girl Jixiang opens her eyes. (Photo by Zhang Yao)

Baby Jixiang's first kiss with her mother. (Photo by Zhang Yao)

Baby Jixiang curiously looks around. (Photo by Zhang Yao)