By Tang Siyu and Wu Kangci
The 43rd Chinese naval escort taskforce docks at Victoria Wharf in Cape Town, South Africa on July 24, 2023. (Photo by Wu Kangci)
CAPE TOWN, July 31 -- The 43rd Chinese naval escort taskforce made a technical stop in Cape Town, South Africa from July 24 to 27, after successfully completing a friendly visit mission to five West African countries.
More than 150 people including representatives from the Chinese Embassy and consulates in South Africa, the South African navy, and local overseas Chinese welcomed the Chinese taskforce at the port on the morning of July 24, local time.
Monde Lobese, Chief of the South African Navy, reviewed the guard of honor of the guided-missile destroyer and held in-depth talks with commanders of the Chinese taskforce. Lobese hoped to further deepen cooperation and exchanges between the two navies. Then the welcome crowd boarded and visited the guided-missile destroyer Nanning and the comprehensive supply ship Weishanhu.
During the stop, the Chinese taskforce's commanders called on Flag Officer Fleet Musawenkosi Nkomonde at the South African Naval Fleet Command and visited the Naval Base Simon's Town.
The two sides conducted in-depth discussions on issues such as ship navigation safety and handling, and South Africa's surrounding maritime security threats and countermeasures. In addition, they also exchanged experience on how surface ships organize anti-terrorism and anti-piracy operations. South African naval sailors said that the Chinese navy is a friendly and professional force.
