The missile frigate Weifang from the 33rd escort fleet of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy reportedly arrived at the port of Mombasa, Kenya for technical docking Sunday morning.
The Weifang ship left the port city of Qingdao in east China’s Shandong Province on August 29 for the Gulf of Aden and the waters of Somalia to carry out the 33rd escort mission.
The ship successfully completed the China-Russia-South Africa maritime joint mission in South Africa from November 24 to 29, last year.
The ship was welcomed Sunday morning by more than 200 Chinese, including Chinese ambassador to Kenya Wu Peng. It will carry out material supply and equipment maintenance during the docking.
Anonymous sources tip us that this is not the first time the Weifang is docking at our neighbors port. In 2019, the same ship visited Kenya’s shores for servicing.
Meanwhile, America’s naval ship- USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) is also still at Mombasa Port. The gigantic warship arrived at the port shores last week on February 8, 2021.
Kenya is a close U.S. strategic partner in Africa,” said Capt. Michael Concannon, commanding officer, USS Hershel “Woody” Williams on Sunday before adding;
“Our visit to Mombasa confirms our resolve and commitment to the preservation of security and stability in Kenya and Africa. We are to add more troops and artillery in the next few days”.
Enock Mugabi aka iWitness is a Journalist, Seasoned Writer and Music Analyst with a passion for sports.
Connect with him on social media using the links below in bio.
