Type 680 training ship explained

The Type 680 training ship with NATO reporting name Dadu,^{[1] [2] [3]} otherwise known as Qi Jiguang is a training ship of the People's Liberation Army Navy.^{[1] [2] [3]} It joined the PLA Navy on 21 February 2017.^[4]

Construction and career

The type 680 engaged in a number of training voyages around the Indo-Pacific Region in 2019, notably visiting Wellington in New Zealand between 22 and 26 October. Rear Admiral Yu Wenbing invited various New Zealanders to a courtesy reception scheduled for 29 October 2019. Victoria University of Wellington staff discussed whether it was appropriate to attend the reception; in the event, Assistant Vice-Chancellor Rebecca Needham, a former director of the VUW Confucius Institute, attended the event, along with several staff members of the university's Confucius Institute attended.^[5] The New Zealand Defence Force said the visit had been arranged through normal diplomatic channels.

Notes and References

1. Web site: PLANS recognition guide 2018. July 16, 2018.
2. Web site: PLANS recognition guide 2019. February 19, 2020.
3. Web site: PLANS recognition guide 2020. February 19, 2020.
4. News: 17 November 2019. 680 type AX Qi Jiguang training ship. Global Security. 29 July 2020.
5. Web site: Victoria University staff invited onto Chinese naval ship during unannounced NZ visit. 18 January 2020.