French navy ships make first China visit since 2013

Shanghai: Two French warships docked in the commercial hub of Shanghai on Saturday, which diplomats said marked the first visit to China by French naval vessels since 2013. The “Dixmude”, which serves as a helicopter carrier, and the frigate “Aconit” pulled into port at a naval base in northern Shanghai today morning, greeted by Chinese military officers waiting on the dock with flowers and a band. The visit marks the tenth time French naval ships have come to Shanghai, the Chinese navy said in a statement. “We want to know each other better,” Captain Pierre de Briancon, commanding officer of the Dixmude, told AFP. “It’s one of our strategic partners.” The Dixmude came from Singapore, and will stay in Shanghai for a week. (PTI)