By Du Jiangfan, Xu Taotao and Tan Zhenzhen

Photo: Du Jiangfan

PORT OF SIMON'S TOWN, South Africa, Jan. 16 -- The guided-missile destroyer Tangshan (Hull 122) and comprehensive supply ship Taihu (Hull 889) attached to the Chinese PLA Navy departed from the Port of Simon's Town in South Africa on January 13 for the exercise sea area together with ships including the Russian Navy's corvette Stoikiy and the South African Navy's frigate Amatola. The joint maritime exercise "Will for Peace 2026" has thereby proceeded into the phase of live-force drills at sea.

During navigation, under the command of the Chinese side, the participating naval vessels maneuvered in the single line ahead formation and conducted formation changes as planned. The drills focused on maritime strike, rescue of hijacked vessel, joint maritime search and rescue, and other subjects. The participating naval troops from different countries covered and supported each other in close coordination.

During the three-day joint exercise, all participating troops carried out multiple back-to-back drills on subjects including communications, anchorage ground defense, and air defense. The phase of live-force drills at sea further enhanced mutual understanding among the participating parties, deepened their friendship, and improved their capabilities in jointly dealing with maritime threats.

Photo: Du Jiangfan