KARACHI, Nov 21: Two Chinese Navy ships arrived here on Monday to carry out first-ever joint exercise with the Pakistan Navy outside the Chinese territorial waters. This was announced in a press release of the ISPR (Navy) issued here on Monday.

It said that ships ‘Shenzhen’, a guided missile destroyer, and ‘Weishanhu’, an auxiliary tanker, were given unprecedented warm welcome upon their entry into Pakistani waters.

Rear Admiral Han Linzhi is commanding the Task Force. On their arrival at Karachi harbour, the ships fired a gun salute, it was responded by 21 gun salute from PN Marine base-PNS Qasim.

Chinese ships were escorted by PN Frigates. On the occasion, PN ships berthed in harbour were dressed overall in the traditional naval costumes and Pakistan Navy held a warm welcoming ceremony at the berth.

Commander coastal area Rear Admiral Iftikhar Ahmed received Rear Admiral Han Linzhi. He was presented guard of honour by a smart contingent of the Pakistan Navy.

A PN band played folk and traditional music and children from various schools chanted slogans of Pak-China friendship.

During their stay, the ships will participate in joint exercises with PN, which would encompass operational sea exercises in harbour and at sea.

Main feature of the exercises will be to rehearse immediate and collective response to large scale disasters like tsunami.

This interaction would also afford an opportunity to experience operations with Chinese technology in connection with acquisition of F-22 P frigates.

During his stay at Karachi, the Chinese admiral will call on governor Sindh. He will also meet the commands of PN at Karachi and visit PN fleet units.—APP