BEIJING, Jan. 16 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's hospital ship Silk Road Ark (Hull 867) concluded its goodwill visit and medical exchanges in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and left the country on January 15, 2026.

After a farewell ceremony held at the dock that morning, the hospital ship Silk Road Ark conducted a joint maritime drill with the Brazilian naval vessels in the adjacent sea area. The drill simulated the emergency situation where the fishermen fell into the water under strong winds and rough waves. Both sides worked closely together and successfully rescued the fallen personnel and safely transferred them to the hospital ship. Afterwards, the two sides also carried out formation maneuver, formation separation, and other scheduled subjects.

This visit marks the first time that a Chinese naval hospital ship has visited Brazil. During the visit, the Silk Road Ark served as a bridge for medical exchanges and injected new impetus into the exchanges and cooperation between the navies of China and Brazil.