Three Chinese People's Liberation Army (Navy) warships will be docking in Butterworth from May 12 to 15.

China's consul-general in Penang, Wu Jun, said the visit is “historic” as it is the first time that his country’s warships would be visiting Malaysia.

The ships chose to dock in Penang because it is a suitable port, he added.

“We are very proud to be able to get approval from the federal government to visit Penang port,” Wu told reporters at a press conference with Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng in Komtar today.

“The visit not only demonstrates close relations of the naval bases but strengthens relations between both countries, as the ships will be opened to public to promote peace and harmony between China and Malaysia,” he added.

Wu said the ships are on a tour of 20 ports, and have visited Davao, Philipines. Currently, the ships are also docking in Ho Chi Minh city.

He said the visit was decided after a bilateral meeting between both governments and armed forces, and was outlined after China’s visit to Kedah and Perlis.

“The armed forces want to promote international cooperation and peace and this is also their outreach efforts supported by the federal government,” he added.

Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general, said the visit is “very important to forge closer relationship with people of both countries”.

Meanwhile, Penang Port Commission chairperson Tan Teik Cheng said the three warships are CNS Changchun Type 052C destroyer, CNS Jingzhou Type 054A Frigate and CNS Chaohu Type 903 replenishment ship.

“After several deliberations between PPC and Wu, the commission will fully cooperate to make this docking a smooth one, and to let Penangites witness this historic moment of China's warships docking in Penang,” Tan said in a statement.

“I have also instructed PPC and Penang Port Sdn Bhd to fully cooperate and go all out, to do the most appropriate and perfect work for the docking of China's warships,” he added.