A Chinese naval hospital ship, Silk Road Ark is expected to visit Fiji as part of a humanitarian medical mission.

Chinese ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian told the media on Tuesday the hospital ship will anchor in Fiji on October 1.

“Silk Road Ark will arrive in Fiji to provide medical services to the Fijian people,” Mr Zhou said.

“This is the largest ever hospital ship.

“It is common in unity to send hospital ship to developing countries to provide medical services.

“As far as I know, it will visit a couple of countries, not only Fiji. So it will go a long way to provide services.”

He said the ship would stay in Fiji for eight days.

“We’ll announce further details in due course to make sure people go there and have their tests and treatments.

“As far as I know, it is very advanced. They have MRIs, CT scan and all kinds of testing facilities and equipment.

“It will have experienced doctors and 300 nurses.”

Mr Zhou described the ship’s visit as a clear gesture of friendship, emphasising its role in strengthening the bonds between the two nations and promoting mutual understanding and cooperation.

The hospital ship also visited Fiji in 2014 and 2018, providing extensive medical treatment and humanitarian services to the local population.

During these visits, the ship offered free medical consultations, treatments, and surgeries to thousands of Fijians.

The medical teams also conducted joint consultations at local health centres and carried out health education activities.

These visits were part of broader missions aimed at strengthening medical cooperation and goodwill between China and Fiji, while enhancing local healthcare access and emergency medical support.