Peace Ark hospital ship shown in China's naval parade

Chinese naval hospital ship Peace Ark (Hull 866) [Photo/zj.zjol.com]

A grand naval parade marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy was held in Qingdao, East China's Shandong province, on April 23. Chinese naval hospital ship Peace Ark (Hull 866) made an appearance at the event.

Peace Ark began its naval service in 2008. Setting sail from her homeport in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, the ship is dedicated to humanitarian missions in other countries, where it provides free medical services.

She stretches 178 meters long and 24 meters wide, and is equipped with advanced medical facilities.

The ship has visited more than 40 countries over the past decade and traveled a distance of more than 240,000 nautical miles. The task groups have met with 38 state heads and government leaders, and brought medical services to 230,000 people.

The ship also took an active part in joint naval exercises between China and others countries to demonstrate China's naval competence and enhance the Chinese navy's collaboration with other countries in maritime rescue and humanitarian relief efforts.

Peace Ark has strengthened cooperation between China and other countries in the armed forces and medical fields, and has been hailed a symbol of China in the new era.

The ship was awarded a collective first-class merit by the Chinese navy on Dec 29, 2018.