Chinese naval hospital ship sets sail on 200-day mission

A Chinese naval hospital ship has departed on an extended humanitarian mission, marking the latest deployment under a long-running programme aimed at providing medical assistance overseas.

The People’s Liberation Army Navy hospital ship Auspicious Ark sailed from Qingdao on Wednesday, July 22, to begin the “Harmony-2026” mission, according to official information released by state news agency Xinhua.

The voyage, expected to last more than 200 days, will take the vessel in multiple directions across Africa and South Asia.

The mission is the 12th of its kind since the programme was launched in 2010, reflecting China’s continued use of naval medical deployments as part of its international outreach.

During the deployment, Chinese military medical teams are expected to deliver free healthcare services to local populations in host countries. The crew will also participate in cultural exchange activities aimed at strengthening ties with partner nations.

By Tamilla Hasanova