DPR 106/97 Monday, August 18, 1997
AUSTRALIAN WARSHIPS TO VISIT CHINA
Australian warships, HMA Ships PERTH (Destroyer), NEWCASTLE (Frigate) and SUCCESS (Replenishment), will arrive in Qingdao, the base for the PLA (People's Liberation Army) - Navy's Northern Fleet, on Saturday August 29. The ships will remain in Qingdao until September 3 when they will sail for the Republic of Korea for a short visit.
Rear Admiral Chris Ritchie, Maritime Commander Australia, will visit China to coincide with his ships' visit, which involves more than 750 ships crew. Rear Admiral Ritchie will hold a Media Conference on the Fleet arrival at Qingdao. He will also meet with senior officers of the PLA-Navy.
This visit is another step forward in developing the defence relationship with China. The Prime Minister of Australia, His Honourable Mr. John Howard, during his visit to China in March-April this year, agreed with President Jiang Zemin of China to step up the level of defence contacts between the two countries.
Defence activities between Australia and China now include annual dialogue at Vice Chief of Defence Force level, high level visits (Chief of Defence Force General John Baker visited China in September 1996 to be followed in September 1997 by Secretary, Department of Defence Mr. Tony Ayres), military staff college visits and a range of other working level contacts.
The forthcoming ships' visits, together with other activities over the past 12 months, represents the most substantial level of defence interaction Australia has had with China since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972. This reflects the high importance the Australian Government places on effective dialogue and cooperation with this important country.
For further information:
Commander Susan Jones 02 62656409(bh)
Lieutenant Carmen Marshall 02 9563 4627(bh)
Colonel McGrane, Defence Attache Beijing 0011 86 10 653 22331
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