The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy is set to deploy the frigate Xuchang to Nigeria for a multilateral joint drill, as announced by a Chinese military spokesperson on Thursday.
Currently engaged in the 46th escort mission in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia, the Xuchang will be involved in activities focused on counter-piracy and counter-oil theft during the drill.
The joint exercise will cover a range of subjects, including vessel maneuvering, joint patrol, and communications drills, according to Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense.
The participation of the PLA Navy in this drill aims to deepen military exchanges and practical cooperation between China and relevant countries. Furthermore, it seeks to contribute to the development of a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.