Brazil has cleared a Chinese navy hospital ship to dock in Rio de Janeiro in January, ending a months-long review that drew quiet pushback inside the country’s military, according to local media.
The approval, dated November 13 and published Tuesday in the government’s official gazette, allows the Ark Silk Road to remain in Rio from January 8 to January 15 next year. The 178 metre (584 feet) vessel operates under China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy.
Records show a United States ship will arrive that same week. The Ronald H. Brown, an oceanographic vessel, has permission to call at Suape, in Pernambuco state, from January 14 to January 21.
Named after the US’ first secretary of commerce, this is the largest research ship in the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fleet. It carries specialised gear used to study how the ocean and atmosphere interact, work that feeds into long-term climate and weather research.
The vessel has a wide range of sensors and laboratories on board and is often sent on joint projects with other US and foreign agencies.
