On June 1st, 2015, Chinese Ambassador to Croatia Deng Ying attended the ceremony to welcome the 19th Escort Task Group of the Chinese Navy in Port of Split, Croatia.
In an interview with Chinese and foreign media ahead of the ceremony, Ambassador Deng Ying said that this was the first time for the Chinese Navy to visit Croatia since the establishment of diplomatic relations, adding that it was not only a military exchange, but also a major event in bilateral relations between the two countries. Their visit also coincides and represents an important part of celebrating the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the partnership in all-round cooperation between the two countries this year. Both countries attach great importance to the anniversary. The 19th Escort Task Group have just accomplished their escort mission in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia and evacuation of Chinese and foreign nationals from Yemen. They have not only successfully curbed piracy on those waters, but also effectively fulfilled the international responsibilities of China as a major country. The heroic evacuation mission has demonstrated the Chinese government's people-oriented principle that puts protection of human rights first while reflecting that China is assuming responsibility in protecting world peace and security. Also, it has demonstrated in full the good image of China as a major country, ready to assume its responsibilities, and the highest military quality of its Navy. During the visit, the Croatian and Chinese navies have arranged various friendly activities and exchanges, which will not only strengthen the friendship and mutual understanding between the two armies, but also mark a new chapter in their relations, as to further enhance the new development of China-Croatia friendly ties.
The 19th Escort Task Group with its crew, consisting of two frigates Linyi and Weifang and one supply ship Weishanhu, under the command of Rear-Admiral Jiang Guoping and Political Commissioner Rear-Admiral Xia Ping, will be staying for a five-day goodwill visit to Croatia from 1st to 5th June. On this occasion, the Croatian side organized grand and joyful welcome ceremony for their Chinese counterpart, which were attended by the commander of Croatian Navy, Commodore Predrag Stipanović and many other officials of around 100 people. The solemn and festive atmosphere was accompanied by the intonation of the national anthems of the two countries, performed by the Croatian Military Band. Over 300 people came specifically to greet the Chinese fleet, among which were, aside from the staff of the Chinese embassy in Croatia, many Chinese tourists and Chinese nationals residing in Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia and Hungary. The crew of the Chinese fleet were deeply moved by the warm scene with people waving Chinese and Croatian flags and cheering “ Long live the Motherland!” and “Warm Welcome!” on their arrival.
After the welcome ceremony at the pier, Ambassador Deng Ying accompanied Chinese Navy commanders to attend separate meetings with the Croatian Navy Commander, Mayor of Split and Prefect of the Split-Dalmatia County.
