BEIJING, April 27 -- On April 26, the Chinese PLA Navy's hospital ship Silk Road Ark (Hull 867) returned home after completing its 234-day overseas medical mission, the longest deployment of its kind undertaken by the Chinese navy.

The voyage, which began in September 2025, took the ship to Brazil, Chile, Nauru, Fiji, Tonga, Jamaica, and other countries to provide free medical services. Over the course of the mission, the team handled 26,324 outpatient visits and performed 2,724 surgical operations. In addition, 17,273 diagnostic tests and examinations were carried out, demonstrating the Chinese PLA Navy's commitment and goodwill towards peace.

The crew members also conducted medical exchanges during their stays in Brazil and Chile, and took part in joint maritime exercises with the navies of Fiji, Tonga and Brazil, enhancing friendship and mutual trust with these countries.