This is the first time a Chinese naval vessel has visited Kiribati. Report | First time
According to Reuters on July 16th, a hospital ship managed by the Chinese military has arrived in Kiribati for the first time.
This is the first visit of a Chinese naval vessel to Kiribati, marking the enhancement of China's soft power in this Pacific island country.
The Chinese Navy's "Peace Ark" hospital ship, carrying out the "Harmony Mission-2023" mission, arrived in the capital of Kiribati, Tarawa, on the 15th and began a 7-day friendly visit to Kiribati, providing medical services.
The Ministry of National Defense of China said on its WeChat official account that the hospital ship "Peace Ark" arrived in Kiribati on the morning of the 15th local time to start a 7-day friendly visit and humanitarian medical services.
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According to reports, medical personnel on this ship will be treating patients in local hospitals and other places, while Chinese commanders will meet with leaders in Kiribati, including the President, Minister of Health, Minister of Transportation, and Chief of Police.
The ship will also visit Tonga, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and East Timor.
According to reports, in recent years, China has been establishing relations in the Pacific region, which has shocked the United States and its allies Australia and New Zealand, as they have long regarded the region as their sphere of influence.