Daishan Dao (“Ark Peace”), a Chinese hospital ship of the People’s Liberation Army Navy, arrives at Saint John’s on the Caribbean island of Antigua as the ship begins its eight-day visit to the nation of Antigua and Barbuda on Monday. Three girls in traditional dress welcome the ship to the harbor. Photo: VCG

Daishan Dao’s medical staff stands at the deck of the hospital ship as it arrives in St. John’s in Antigua on Monday. Local media report that the ship will provide medical services to over 2,700 residents during its visit. Photo: VCG

Sir Rodney Williams, governor-general of Antigua and Barbuda, is greeted by a Chinese naval honor guard on the hospital ship Daishan Dao on Monday. Photo: VCG

Local students wave national flags of the island nation of Antigua and Barbuda to welcome the arrival of the Chinese naval hospital ship Daishan Dao on Monday. Photo: VCG

Citizens of the island nation of Antigua and Barbuda join with overseas Chinese and representatives of Chinese companies to wave Chinese flags and hold a banner that greets the arrival of the hospital ship Daishan Dao on Monday. Photo: VCG

Daishan Dao approaches the harbor at Saint John’s on the island of Antigua on Monday. The island nation of Antigua and Barbuda is the 40th country that Daishan Dao has visited since being commissioned in 2008. Photo: VCG