Russian warships enter Chinese port of Qingdao for first time since lifting of COVID restrictions

A detachment of ships of the Pacific Fleet has made a business call at the port of Qingdao, China. This is the first call by Russian ships to China since the lifting of existing restrictions between Russia and China during the coronavirus pandemic, Report informs referring to Interfax.

“A detachment of Russian ships entered the Chinese port of Qingdao after the completion of the third joint patrol of the Pacific Ocean by the crews of the Russian Navy and the PLA (People’s Liberation Army of China) ships,” the statement said.

The Russian sailors were first met by Russia’s charge d'affaires in China, Ivan Zhelokhovtsev.

After mooring the ships on the pier, Rear Admiral Valery Kazakov, commander of the Primorsky Flotilla of the diverse forces of the Pacific Fleet, met with Vice Admiral Wang Dazhong, commander of the Navy of the PLA Northern Joint Command.

“The detachment of Pacific Fleet ships will stay in Qingdao until August 24. As part of a business call, joint cultural and sports events will be held with the participation of sailors from both countries. Excursions to the sights of Qingdao are planned for Russian sailors as part of the cultural program,” reads the statement.