The PLA warship’s visit to Nigeria was part of a “goodwill” mission in the Gulf of Guinea region. It was the first by the Chinese navy to West Africa. Nigerian navy Chief of Staff Ibikunle Daramola said the visit “will enhance the capacity of both navies to respond to maritime security threats”, according to the Chinese embassy’s statement.

The Chinese navy has held joint drills with navies from other countries in the Gulf of Guinea, including those of Sao Tome and Principe, Gabon and Cameroon.