Chinese naval task group departs for far-sea internship, port visits

(ECNS) -- A Chinese PLA Navy task group set sail Monday from a military port in Zhanjiang, southern Guangdong province, carrying more than 900 cadets and crew for a comprehensive internship and far-sea training mission that will include port calls and joint exercises with foreign militaries. 

The flotilla consists of the large training ship "the Qijiguang" and the dock landing ship "the Kunlunshan."

The cadets on board the ongoing training mission are primarily from the PLA Dalian Naval Academy. Under the program, nine foreign military personnel will train alongside their Chinese counterparts in mixed groups.

Training subjects include terrestrial and celestial navigation. During stops at foreign ports, the task group will hold official calls, deck receptions and observation visits, the navy said.