Summary
China uses its naval hospital ships, such as the Peace Ark, to carry out humanitarian missions around the world. These missions, called Harmony, aim to promote China's global influence by providing medical aid to various countries. The voyages have visited numerous regions including Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Key Facts
- China operates the world's largest navy, which includes three large hospital ships.
- The Harmony missions started in 2010 to increase China's global presence and offer medical aid.
- Hospital ships have visited many countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Americas.
- The missions were paused during the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed in 2022.
- The current mission in 2025 involves visits to countries in the South Pacific and Latin America, marking the first such mission for the ship Silk Road Ark.
- The hospital ships provide medical care during peace and can assist injured troops in wartime.
- The missions support China’s Global Security Initiative, aiming to change the world order.
