Chinese Destroyer Zibo Arrives in Tonga for Royal Navy’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations

NUKU’ALOFA, July 5 – On July 3, local time, the Chinese naval guided-missile destroyer Zibo (Hull 156) arrived in Nuku’alofa, the capital of Tonga, to participate in the 50th anniversary celebration of the Tonga Royal Navy.

At noon, the Zibo, adorned with the national flags of China and Tonga, docked at the Queen Salote International Wharf. Over 200 people, including staff from the Chinese Embassy in Tonga, representatives of overseas Chinese and Chinese-funded enterprises, and local residents, gathered to welcome the Chinese troops. Sailors on the Zibo, dressed in their uniforms, manned the rails and waved to the crowd.

Following the successful docking, the welcoming crowd boarded the Zibo in groups to tour the ship and interact with the task force members.

The celebration commenced on July 4. Over the next two days, the Zibo, representing the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, will join navies from 11 countries across Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania. The activities include a maritime fleet review, a land parade, a welcome reception, and a military music performance, all organized by Tonga.