On a very blustery and wet Sunday morning two
Chinese warships weighed anchor in the Spithead and proceeded towards
Portsmouth harbour.
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The Chinese destroyer Shen Zhen fired a 21 gun
salute whilst following astern of her escort, HMS Richmond.
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The support vessel Feng Cang made her own way
into Portsmouth harbour later.
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Fort Blockhouse returned the salute with the
usual 5 second interval between rounds.
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A police launch went ahead of HMS Richmond,
keeping the area clear of all craft for both warships.
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The Queen's Harbourmaster sped out to
meet Shen Zhen and then took up station on her starboard beam.
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As Shen Zhen passed The Tower the tugs were
waiting ready to assist her.
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Both Chinese warships departed on the 3rd
of October.
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It wasn't all plain sailing. Once in harbour
there were red faces all round.
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