Chinese Ship Headed to the Philippines on "Friendly" Regional Tour

The largest Chinese training ship, "Qi Ji Guang," set sail for the Philippines today, Friday, as the last stop on a "friendly" regional tour, amid growing concerns over Chinese maritime activities in the South China Sea. Chinese state media described the ship's passage through the area as "friendly," stating, "The ship's exercises will focus on navigation, anti-piracy, and light weapon firing." By the end of its journey, the ship will have passed through the Yellow Sea, East China Sea, South China Sea, Gulf of Thailand, and the western Pacific Ocean.