Chinese Ships Visiting Brunei Make History
By James Kon

Bandar Seri Begawan - For the first time in Brunei’s history, two Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy ships docked at Muara Port to pay a goodwill visit to the sultanate.

The two ships, a guided missiles destroyer “Shenzhen” and a comprehensive replenishment supply ship “Qinghaihu” were commanded by RADM Xue Tianpei, Deputy Commander of the PLA (N) South Sea Fleet.

Upon arrival yesterday morning, Lieutenant Colonel Awang Zainal Bin Haji Awang Damit, Acting Fleet Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy, warmly greeted RADM Xue Tianpei.

Also on hand to welcome the arrival of the ships were Mr Wei Wei, the Ambassador of People’s Republic of China and his spouse.

There was a grand welcoming, with lion dance performance, a marching band from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and a group of Royal Brunei Navy’s senior officers.

RADM Xue Tianpei, during his welcoming speech, said Brunei and China have been enjoying a friendship that was first established during the Song dynasty.

He hoped this visit could promote and deepen understanding and further enhance the existing ties between the military and navy of the two countries.

He said the visit had laid a new foundation for future progress in military-to-military relationship, and that with the visit to Muara Port, it would emblem an important historical moment for both countries’ military and naval exchanges.

After the welcoming ceremony, RADM Xue Tianpei and Mr Wei Wei had a brief discussion inside the meeting room of the Chinese destroyer.

The public will today be able to tour the destroyer at Muara Port between 3-5 pm.

Destroyer Shenzhen also houses a Dolphin helicopter, missiles and anti-aircraft guns as well as various high-tech military equipments. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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