The Brazilian government has authorized the arrival of a Chinese Navy hospital ship at the Port of Rio de Janeiro, from 8 to 15 January. The vessel, named Ark Silk Road, is 178 metres long and features 300 ward beds and 20 intensive care unit (ICU) beds.

The hospital ship is equipped with a helicopter to support international humanitarian operations. On board, complex surgical procedures can be performed, comparable to those carried out in a large onshore hospital.

Painted white with prominent red crosses on its hull, the ship complies with international standards for hospital vessels deployed on medical assistance missions.

This voyage to Brazil takes place under the auspices of “Operation Harmony” — an initiative launched by Beijing — which plans to send hospital ships to various countries, with the aim of strengthening diplomatic ties through health co-operation. In such missions, China typically provides medical consultations, surgical treatments and professional training, with a focus on humanitarian assistance.

(Source: CNN Brasil, on 7 January)