BRP Tarlac, the Philippines' largest warfare ship, and Malaysian frigate Lekiu arrived in Qingdao, a coastal city in east China's Shandong Province, on Sunday to partake in the activities marking the 70th founding anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, including a naval parade on April 23.
The two countries' naval officers and sailors manned the rail and rendered salutes to their Chinese peers as a gesture of friendship and respect while anchoring off.
With a displacement of 11,000 tons, the Philippine transport dock can sail at a maximum speed of 16 knots per hour, and carry 500 sailors, 40 vehicles and five medium-sized helicopters.
Navy Captain Francisco Tagamolila, who heads the Philippine naval delegation, said that he is looking forward to enhancing the exchanges between the two navies.
"I would like to say that, on behalf of the Philippine government, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine Navy, through our Flag Officer-in-Command, Admiral Robert Empedrad, we extend our gratitude for the invitation on your celebration of the 70th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army Navy. Our arrival here signifies the fortitude of the Philippine Navy to foster stronger ties between our two navies, and strengthen our camaraderie and working relationship with all other navies," he said.
READ: PHL Navy sends off contingent to join International Fleet Review in China
Malaysian frigate Lekiu, the most modern surface combatant of the Royal Malaysian Navy, has a full load displacement of 2,300 tons, with a 57mm bofors gun which is able to launch short-and-medium-range missiles.
Qingdao is receiving navy delegations from more than 60 countries and vessels from more than 10 countries invited to participate in the celebrations of the Chinese navy's 70th founding anniversary on April 23.
Multinational commemorative events, to be held in Qingdao and nearby sea areas and airspace from April 22 to 25, will feature various activities including high-level seminars and cultural and sports exchanges.
The Port of Qingdao is home to the PLA North Sea Fleet.
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/691936/phl-navy-s-brp-tarlac-arrives-in-qingdao-to-join-chinese-navy-celebration/story/
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