The Rear Admiral was speaking at a reception on board the frigates Zhoushan and Xuzhou

Friday evening in the presence of former president James Mancham, Foreign Affairs minister Jean-Paul Adam and Chief of Defence Forces Brigadier Leopold Payet, after guests had been taken on a tour of the ships.

The frigates are just over two years old.

Mr Zhang, who is also deputy commander of the Chinese People’s Liberation Navy’s East China Fleet, said he considered it an honour to be part of the multi-national force guarding the Indian Ocean against piracy. 

Since 2008, eight escort task forces have been despatched to the Indian Ocean to ensure maritime safety.

He said the main task is to ensure the security of Chinese vessels and personnel transiting the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean and protect ships chartered by international organisations, like the UN World Food Programme.

Rear Admiral Zhang said his visit here was also a chance to share information on the anti-piracy mission by the Chinese navy.

He described the Seychelles as “very beautiful, where there is a harmonious society”.

Mr Adam said he was impressed by the “very magnificent vessels” and said the visit following that of high-level missions from China, including those of a Chinese vice-minister and deputy chief justice, testifies to the excellent relations between the two countries.

Nation learned during the tour that the ships were over 130 metres long and capable of speed of 30km/hour.

Seychelles, presently being threatened by piracy, such a visit could not have been timelier, said Minister Adam. 

He said islands such as Seychelles depend on trade and the oceans constitute our highways, which must remain safe for maritime activity.

Mr Adam noted that though geographically Seychelles is a long way from China, it is at the same time the African country closest to it.

“We are proud to offer our port and facilities to whoever wants to use them to ensure the safety and sovereignty of countries of the Indian Ocean.”

Mr Adam hailed the military cooperation developing between Seychelles and China. He added that this was very important as without security, there can be no development.