Two ships of the Chinese Navy left Shanghai Monday for a goodwill visit to the Republic of Korea.

The two missile frigates -- the Jiaxing and the Lianyungang -- were both designed and manufactured in China, and will visit the port of Inchon for the first time.

The eight-day visit will play a positive role in enhancing good relations between China and the ROK, as well as the two countries' armies, and contribute to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and the world, according to Zhou Borong, commander of the naval ships.

Naval ships of the ROK paid their first visit to Shanghai in October 2001.

(Xinhua News Agency May 7, 2002)