In Germany's northern port of Wilhelmshaven, officers and men of the Chinese Navy were friendly received by their German counterparts during their three-day stay.

Two receptions were held for some 500 Chinese officers and men on the Chinese guided missile destroyer "Shenzhen" and the German escort vessel "Karlsruhe" respectively.

Friendly football and table tennis matches were held between the two navies. Military bands of the two sides also gave a special performance for audience of the city of Wilhelmshaven.

The visit of the two ships, guided missile destroyer "Shenzhen" and support vessel "Fengcang," was the first by Chinese naval ships to Germany.

Commander of the Chinese naval ships Wu Fuchun expressed his hope that the relationship between the two navies could be expanded.

Inspector of the German Federal Navy Hans Luessow said that the terrorist attacks in the United States showed that a global cooperation of the naval forces was needed.

The two Chinese ships are on a European tour which will also take them to France and Italy after the visit to Britain.

(People's Daily 09/29/2001)