17-6-2023 (MANILA) The Chinese naval training ship Qi Jiguang (Hull 83) bid farewell to the Philippines on Saturday, marking the end of its fruitful goodwill visit to the country.
Having completed its mission during its stay in far seas, the ship will now continue its cadet training as it heads back to China.
A grand farewell ceremony was held at the South Harbor in Manila, organized by the Philippine side. Over 300 individuals, including Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, Defense Attaché to the Philippines Li Jianzhong, staff from the Chinese Embassy, representatives from Chinese companies, local Chinese associations, Chinese students, and Philippine Navy representatives, gathered at the port to bid farewell to the ship.
During their visit, the ship commanders paid a courtesy call to the Philippine Navy chief and attended a welcome dinner hosted by the Philippine Navy. The ship members also engaged in professional exchanges and cultural and sports interactions with officers and soldiers of the Philippine Navy, participating in activities such as football and tug-of-war games.
Throughout their stay, the crew of the Qi Jiguang organized five public activities and joined forces with the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines to donate disaster relief materials to areas affected by recent volcanic unrest and typhoons in the country.
Furthermore, a deck reception was held on Thursday evening, attended by nearly 300 people. During the reception, the visiting crew members showcased traditional folk music, dance performances, and martial arts demonstrations.
Named after Qi Jiguang, a revered national hero from the Ming Dynasty of China, the ship was commissioned in February 2017 as the largest and most advanced Chinese homegrown professional training vessel. This visit to the Philippines marked the ship’s first-ever visit to the country.
