Chinese Naval Group in Taranto

12/06/15

Last Sunday, welcomed by numerous representatives of the Chinese community in Italy and on the notes of the fanfare of the garrison of Taranto, came to Taranto's Naval Sea Station - after a long period of operational activity and escalation to merchant traffic in the Gulf of Aden - the Chinese Naval Group 547, consisting of two brand new Lin Yi (F547 and F550) frigates and Weishanhu A 887 wholesaler.

The permanence in the naval base of Taranto follows that of other Chinese Naval Units of 2012 and 2010, and today, following the previous visits, the naval group of the People's Liberation Army Navy has led to Taranto a further stop not only logistics, but also aimed at renewing and deepening the professional and social relations between the two Marinas.

Admiral Jiang Guoping - commander of the Naval Group - and the three commanders of the units, accompanied by the Chinese military defense attaché accredited in Italy, Colonel Ye Feng, after visiting the civil authorities of the city, were received by the commander of the Second Naval Group, rear-admiral Andrea Gueglio, who - in an extremely cordial and respectful atmosphere - illustrated the main characteristics of the dependent naval units and the new naval station of Taranto.

The ship's personnel Andrea Doria, designated sister ship for the occasion, led by commander, vessel captain Angelo Virdis, guaranteed direct support to the command of the Chinese Naval Group during a dense series of initiatives, which developed through the entire rest period.

On the Italian side, in full harmony with the Chinese concept of "harmonious sea", that is marked by cooperation, cultural interactions and mutual knowledge, exchanges were organized between crews, sports activities, cultural visits and visits purely for professional purposes, such as that at the Centro Addestramento Aeronavale (MARICENTADD) and on the flagship of the Squadra Navale, the aircraft carrier Cavour, during which the Chinese crews were able to know and appreciate both the culture and history of Taranto and the operational capabilities of the Italian Navy.

The 10 June, day of the Italian Navy, arrived in the naval base of Taranto, the Chinese ambassador accredited in Italy, SE Li Ruiyu, who, after meeting the crews of the Chinese units, was welcomed and hosted on board a Cavour ship by Admiral Gueglio. The visit was reciprocated on board the flagship LIN YI F547, where a reception was held, animated by dance and singing performances typical of Chinese popular culture. Particularly appreciated were the singing performances offered by some Chinese students of the Santa Cecilia conservatory, specially from Rome, who impeccably sang Italian opera arias as well as the inevitable "O sole mio".

At the beginning of the reception, Rear Admiral Gueglio thanked Ambassador Li Ruiyu and Admiral Jiang for his kind and very welcome invitation, declaring, on the Day of the Italian Navy, "how there is no better way to celebrate the anniversary, that is, together with the crews of a distant and friendly navy, in the name of an increasingly fruitful collaboration and of the closeness between the peoples ". The rear admiral Gueglio has finally recalled a "segment" of Chinese culture, highlighting how the official visit began on 8 June and how the 8 number, according to Chinese tradition, was a symbol of prosperity and fortune "... I want to think - added - that your visit may constitute a further, important brick that will contribute to the common prosperity and fortune of our Marine, in the sign of an ever closer friendship ".

Saluted by the Commander of the Second Naval Group, the Chinese units left yesterday the port of Taranto, with the wish of calm seas and winds always favorable.