China’s navy to visit Sabah for the first time

KOTA KINABALU: Sailors from China will be visiting Sabah officially for the first time from Aug 18 – 22 as part of the state and the republic’s goodwill promotion efforts.

A total of 360 crewmembers on board the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy - Zhang He – is also part of Sabah and China’s effort to promote tourism between both nations.

The Defence attache with the Embassy of China, Senior Colonel Chen Wei has appointed Sabah Ma Zhong Friendship Association to help facilitate and coordinate matters relating to the ship’s visit.

Sabah Ma Zhong president, Dr Oh Ei Sun said they would work closely with the authorities of both countries to make the historic visit a resounding success.

“I hope this visit will not only promote Sabah as a tourist destination but showcase the rapid development and stability of the state under Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman’s leadership,” he said on Friday.

The ship was supposed to dock in Kota Kinabalu earlier but has been slightly delayed due to the recent typhoon, which hit the southern part of China and the Philippines.

Meanwhile, this visit also signifies the importance of Malaysia and China’s close historical relationship, and a prelude to the upcoming visit of its president, Xi JinPing to the country.