The Chinese Navy is paying a five-day visit to Piraeus Port in Athens commemorating the Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival. The 18th Chinese naval escort fleet docked in Piraeus on February 16, on the fifth and final stop of its European tour. During their stay, Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Zhang Chuanshu met with Greek President Karolos Papoulias and the Hellenic Navy Chief of Staff.

Furthermore, the Greek side was briefed regarding the Chinese Navy’s first escort mission off Somalia coasts in protection of Chinese merchant vessels. Following the visit, the Chinese and Hellenic Navies engaged in joint training before the Chinese fleet heads back home tomorrow. China has paid goodwill visits to Greece before, in 2002 and 2010.

CCTV English: Chinese naval fleet makes visit to Greek port of Piraeus