40 years on

Editor’s Note: This year marks the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening-up policy.

On May 15, 2002, vessels left Qingdao, Shandong province, on the PLA Navy’s first global goodwill voyage.

Sailing for 132 days, the voyage of guided missile destroyer and supply ship covered 33,000 nautical miles (61,116 kilometers) and visited 10 countries. The item from June 17, 2002, in China Daily (right) showed two Navy servicemen talking with Egyptian officials during a port call to Alexandria, Egypt.

Since then, the Navy has conducted several such trips to promote friendship and exchanges with the rest of the world.

The latest trip was in 2015, when the Chinese Naval Fleet 152, comprised of destroyer frigate

and a supply ship, set sail. Following the conclusion of a four-month escort mission to the Horn of Africa, the task force began a goodwill tour and dropped anchor around the globe, including two port calls in the United States.

China’s naval ships have increasingly taken part in humanitarian and international security operations.

In 2008, the Navy had a significant presence in the Horn of Africa in support of maritime security and counter-piracy operations in the region.

Hospital ship Peace Ark has conducted at least five Harmonious Missions, providing free medical care and services for tens of thousands of people worldwide.