Chinese naval guided-missile frigate Rizhao approaches the port at Richards Bay, South Africa, on February 19.
BEIJING, Feb. 22 -- Vessels of the 42nd Chinese naval escort taskforce arrived at Richards Bay, South Africa, on February 19, to participate in the joint maritime exercise of China, Russia and South Africa. The South African Navy held a welcoming ceremony for their arrival at the dock, where, Acting Chinese Consul General in Durban Sun Anlin, leaders of the South African military and representatives of local overseas Chinese gathered to welcome.
Themed "joint operation to safeguard the safety of shipping and maritime economic activities", the joint exercise is to run from February 20 to 27. For the event, the Chinese Navy sent the guided missile destroyer Huainan, frigate Rizhao and comprehensive supply ship Kekexilihu; the Russian Navy sent the frigate Admiral Flota Sovetskogo Soyuza Gorshkov and the tanker Kama; and the South African Navy sent the SAS Mendi.
The joint exercise is divided into port and sea phases, involving subjects like joint escort, boarding and inspection, and counter-terrorism operation. During the port phase, the three parties will organize consultations on subjects of the joint maritime exercise, and carry out exchange activities like ball games.
The exercise is the second joint maritime exercise held by the navies of China, Russia and South Africa in the eastern waters and airspace from Durban to Richards Bay, South Africa, since 2019.
It is learned that the 42nd Chinese naval escort taskforce has just finished its five-month deployment in Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia since September, 2022, and headed directly south to the southernmost part of Africa to participate in the joint military exercise. Heading to new task without returning to China for rest reflects the ability of the Chinese Navy to successively carry out tactical tasks.