Chinese destroyer arrives in Yokosuka ahead of Japan’s international fleet review

YOKOSUKA, Japan — The Chinese navy guided-missile destroyer Taiyuan anchored at Yokosuka Port on Thursday, less than a mile from Yokosuka Naval Base, home of the U.S. 7th Fleet.

The ship is expected to participate for the first time in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force International Fleet Review on Monday in Sagami Bay.

A group of about 30 visitors and 25 Chinese sailors walked around the Taiyuan’s deck from stern to bow about 11 a.m. Thursday.

Chinese navy representatives are conducting “courtesy exchanges with peers from the JMSDF and navies of other countries,” according to a Chinese Ministry of National Defense statement Tuesday. They also plan to host “military and cultural exchanges” such as sports competitions and deck receptions “to further enhance mutual understanding, promote traditional Chinese culture and spread peace and friendship.”

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