Chinese Navy ships to call at Malta

A Chinese Navy Task Force, consisting of two frigates and a replenishment ship will pay a port visit to Malta between March 26 and 30 at the invitation of the Armed Forces of Malta. The vessels are the frigates Huangshan and Hengshanand the replenishment vessel Qinghaihu. The Task Force has just concluded a four-month anti-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden, during which it provided escort to hundreds of civilian and commercial vessels of various nationalities including Maltese. This will be the first visit to Malta by a Chinese Navy Task Force. The ships will be berthed at Pinto Wharf in Grand Harbour and will be open to the public for viewing between 9 a.m. and noon on March 27 and between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on March 28. Visitors cannot take bags or food on board.