PLA Navy wraps up delivery of China-aided relief supplies to Tonga

A Chinese naval fleet tasked with delivering disaster relief supplies to Tonga arrived in its capital Nuku'alofa on the morning of February 15.

Tongan Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni and Chinese Ambassador to Tonga Cao Xiaolin attended a welcome ceremony for the arrival of two Chinese naval vessels, namely the type-071 amphibious dock landing ship Wuzhishan and the type-901 comprehensive supply ship Chaganhu.

At the request of Tonga, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy decided to dispatch the Wuzhishan and Chaganhu vessels to deliver over 1,400 tons of relief supplies to the country after the volcanic eruption, including mobile homes, tractors, electric generators, water pumps and water purifiers, essential food and medical equipment.

Since their departure from Guangzhou, capital of South China's Guangdong province, on January 31, the Chinese flotilla met strong high sea conditions and crew members on board worked around the clock to monitor the status of relief materials and the conditions of their storage environment to ensure the successful completion of the mission.

The PLA crew carried out three rounds of nucleic acid tests during the voyage, closely monitored their health conditions, conducted regular disinfection operations, and organized practical training on pandemic prevention and control measures, as well as the utilization of protective suits, in order to thoroughly prevent all personnel and relief materials from contacting the contagious virus.

The crew made necessary adjustments to their plans for unloading the relief supplies in light of the evolving situation at a local port, set up 13 operating units with specific responsibilities, and conducted drills for the handover of relief materials to the Tongan side.

"The Chinese naval vessels left China on the eve of the Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, and arrived in Tonga on the Lantern Festival. All crew members on board have worked together with solidarity and high morale to overcome all odds during the voyage. The celebration of this Chinese New Year came with a special meaning for us all. In the next step, we will continue to adhere to our fine traditions, accomplish the delivery of all relief supplies, and help the Tongan people rebuild their home," said Wang Xiaochuan, a navy fleet officer.