“Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy Hospital Ship ‘Ark Peace’ Visit to Tonga,Friday 28 July – Friday 04 August 2023”
27 July 2023
The Government of the Kingdom of Tonga is pleased to welcome to Nuku’alofa the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy Hospital Ship ‘Ark Peace’ from Friday 28 July to Friday 04 August 2023. The Vessel is embarking on a Mission Harmony – 2023 to several countries in the South Pacific including Kiribati, Tonga, Vanuatu, Solomons Islands and Timor-Leste.
The Ship is commanded by Rear Admiral Zhao Guangqing, Chief of Support Department of Eastern Theater Command Navy and Rear Admiral Li Xinke, Deputy Chief of Political Department of Eastern Theater Command Navy.
The Ark Peace endeavours to offer free medical services to the people of Tonga as well as enhancing military exchanges with His Majesty’s Armed Forces. The Ministry of Health is in close collaboration in organizing Chinese medical teams designated to village health centers; whilst a team onboard the helicopter is assigned to dispatch immediate medical cases from the outer islands. A medical team will be visiting Primary and Secondary Schools purposely for educational exchanges.
Whilst in Tonga the Read Admirals will have the opportunity to call on High Level Government Officials and His Majesty’s Armed Forces.
The ship visited the Kingdom in 2014, 2018 and this year delivering the same good will mission. The visit comes well ahead of the 25th Anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Tonga and the People’s Republic of China, in 1998.
The Ark Peace will depart Nuku’alofa on Friday 04 August 2023.
-ENDS-
