Chinese Naval Hospital Ship Concludes Successful Medical Mission in Tonga
The Chinese naval hospital ship, Peace Ark, has concluded its recent visit and medical mission in Tonga with remarkable success. Departing from Vuna Wharf in Nukualofa, the Peace Ark is now en route to Vanuatu, marking the third destination of the Harmonious Mission 2023.
During its seven-day medical service initiative in Nuku’alofa, the Peace Ark provided essential healthcare support to a total of 6895 individuals, comprising both local residents and overseas Chinese. Significantly, the medical team accomplished 39 surgical procedures. The daily volume of medical treatments and surgeries conducted through the ship’s main medical platform reached a record high for the Harmonious Mission 2023.
Simultaneously, eight groups of medical experts were dispatched to collaborate with the Vaiola Hospital in Nukualofa and three village-level health clinics: Mua, Vaini, and Nukunuku. These collaborative efforts facilitated comprehensive diagnosis and treatment activities, working in conjunction with local medical personnel.
A team of eight medical officers ventured to the outlying Island of Eua via an ambulance helicopter, delivering essential services to more than 333 villagers. Ark Peace sent 11 experts to Vaiola Hospital twice and conducted a demonstration of “battlefield first-aid technology.”
Throughout the visit to Tonga, the Chinese commander overseeing the Harmonious Mission 2023 paid courtesy visits to several distinguished Tongan figures, including Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, Prime Minister Hu’akavemeiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, and Chief of Defense Staff Brigadier General Lord Fielakepa.
At His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF) Naval Base, the Ark Peace team conducted operational exchanges with 21 Tongan officers and soldiers, focusing on self-rescue and mutual aid techniques such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), endotracheal intubation, and the use of AEDs. Additionally, naval experts provided crucial training sessions in wounded-rescue techniques for members of the Tongan navy.
In a culminating activity, the naval forces of both nations engaged in a joint drill, primarily centred around coordinated formation manoeuvres, communication exercises, maritime, and aerial search and rescue operations in the waters adjacent to the Nukualofa port.
As the visit drew to a close, a splendid farewell ceremony was held by the Tongan authorities, attended by Tongan Prime Minister Hu’akavemeiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, Deputy Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu, and other esteemed dignitaries. Chinese Ambassador to Tonga, Cao Xiaolin, along with staff from the Chinese Embassy, overseas Chinese community members, and other representatives, bid farewell to the departing Chinese naval team.
Overall, the Peace Ark’s mission in Tonga exemplifies the strong commitment to international cooperation and humanitarian efforts displayed by the Chinese naval forces, fostering goodwill and collaboration between nations while providing critical medical assistance and expertise to those in need.
