The two-vessel squadron composed of the guided missile destroyer Qingdao and the supply ship Taicang was welcomed by Rear Admiral of the Peruvian Navy Arturo Piedra, together with about 1,000 Chinese living in Peru.

Commander of the squadron, Rear Admiral Ding Yiping, told the press that the fleet had brought a message of friendship and peace from China. He said both China and Peru favor disarmament and oppose nuclear proliferation. He expressed the hope that the visit could contribute to the enhancement of friendly relations between the two countries and the two nations' armed forces.

Piedra said: "This visit will benefit both navies as it serves to exchange experiences and consolidate cooperation between the two sides."

Ding later called on Defense Minister Aurelio Loret de Mola Bohme and Peruvian Navy Commander Vice Admiral Luis Arbocco.

The Chinese squadron started its voyage on May 15 and is expected to return to China in mid-September.

(People's Daily August 14, 2002)