Port Victoria just got a splash of international flair with the arrival of the Chinese Navy ship, Xu Chang, for a three-day pit stop. With 130 meters of steel slicing through the Indian Ocean, the ship, home to 150 crew members, has made its first-ever visit to Seychelles. But is this all about rest and recuperation, or does it have a deeper meaning for China-Seychelles relations?
The arrival wasn’t exactly low-key. A crowd of well-wishers lined the port, including members of Seychelles’ Chinese community and local students from both the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA) and the Maritime Academy (SMA). Whether out of curiosity or diplomatic duty, the gathering felt like a snapshot of the ever-growing friendship between Seychelles and China. Students and onlookers were treated to a tour of the ship, which—spoiler alert—has a lot of tech that impressed even our own government officials.
Speaking of government figures, Seychelles’ Minister for Internal Affairs, Errol Fonseka, was on hand to give a warm welcome, noting the ship’s professionalism. But the real buzz came from Flavien Joubert, Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change, and Environment, who seemed starstruck by the advanced technology on board. “It’s a clear sign of our growing ties with China,” he beamed, giving a nod to the ongoing exchange between the two nations.
And of course, Seychelles’ Chief of Defence Forces, Brigadier Michael Rosette, had his say too. “This visit represents military cooperation,” he stated, adding that Xu Chang’s crew had been patrolling the Red Sea before stopping by for some R&R. Rest and relaxation—or a chance for a little military bonding with Seychelles? Depends on who you ask.
The visit wasn’t just for the high-ups. Jean-Yves Joubert, a young student from the Seychelles Maritime Academy, called it “a great opportunity” for someone in his field. “Even if we didn’t get the full tour due to security, it was still fascinating,” he said, clearly impressed by the bits of the ship they were allowed to see.
Retired educators from the Seychelles Association of Retired Educational Professionals (SAREP) also turned up for the tour, with vice-chairperson Merida Delcy braving the heat to soak in the experience. “The crew was so welcoming! Despite the scorching sun, we had a great time,” she shared with a smile.
So, was Xu Chang’s visit just a pit stop on its way home to China, or a more subtle diplomatic mission in the guise of a break? One thing’s for sure—this visit, though brief, made waves both on and off the water.
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