By YUAN Shuai, ZHANG Yuan
PORT of KIEL, GERMANY, June 19 (ChinaMil) -- The guided-missile frigate Binzhou (Hull 515) of the 29th Chinese naval escort taskforce arrived at a naval port in Kiel, Germany on June 15 for a friendly visit and participation of the “Kiel Week” activities.
During the "Kiel Week", the Chinese frigate Binzhou will also be open for pubic visit and hold deck receptions. Chinese naval officers and soldiers will participate in an international competition of maritime comprehensive skills, interactions between young military officers and other exchange activities.
This is the second time that the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has taken part in this event. The Chinese guided-missile frigate Xiangtan went to Germany for the “Kiel Week” in 2016.
The frigate Binzhou is the commanding ship of the 29th Chinese naval escort taskforce. The Type-054A frigate is 135 meters long and 16 meters wide, with a full loaded displacement of 4,000 tons.
The Type-054A frigates, independently designed and built by China, have become the main battle ships of the PLA Navy. The frigate of this type is capable of attacking surface vessels or submarines either independently or by coordinating with other naval forces, and has powerful long-range early warning and air-defense capabilities.