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Post by meo4 on May 22, 2013 20:24:35 GMT 12
The Chinese Consulate says the Yuan Wang 6 is here to replenish supplies and so its 300 crew members can have a rest. Photo / Scott Yeoman
There are conflicting reports as to whether a ship tied up at Queens Wharf is part of the Chinese navy.
The New Zealand Defence Force and Ports of Auckland confirmed yesterday that the Yuan Wang 6 arrived on Sunday and was a space-tracking vessel controlled by the Chinese navy.
This detail was later denied by its shipping agency Cosco and omitted in statements by both the Chinese Consulate General and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Lieutenant Commander Vicki Rendall of the Royal New Zealand Navy confirmed yesterday morning that "yes, it is a Chinese navy ship".
Ports of Auckland senior communications advisor Dee Radhakrishnan echoed this shortly after.
"The Chinese ship at Queens Wharf West is the Yuan Wang 6 - Chinese space-tracking ship, operated by the Chinese navy."
But managing director of Cosco NZ Liu Feng said the 222m ship was not associated with the navy and was just a research vessel.
"She is a scientific research vessel and has nothing to do with the navy. More specifically, she tracks and controls satellites and helps guide them into orbits."
Mr Feng said the ship had just completed a mission for a commercial communication satellite.
The Chinese Consulate General was guarded when asked about the ship.
"We have contacted the official on the ship in charge of media affairs and we were told that they will not accept any media interviews during their stay."
But when pushed further the Vice-Consul, Zhang Fangfang, released the following statement.
"Thanks for your attention for the Chinese space-tracking ship Yuan Wang 6. Yuan Wang 6 arrived in Auckland on May 19 after successful completion of a space-tracking assignment, to replenish supplies and allow the crew a refreshing rest."
A spokesman for Mfat also overlooked the navy detail.
"The Yuan Wang 6, currently in NZ waters, is a Chinese vessel used for satellite tracking. The visit of the Yuan Wang 6 follows similar visits in the past by space-tracking vessels, most recently in 2011."
The ship carries 300 crew members and is due to stay for a week.
By Scott Yeoman
Woudnt be surprised if they have there CESM communication intercept equipment on listening in on local communications .
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Post by raymond on May 22, 2013 20:35:36 GMT 12
They are probably monitoring this board as we "post"!!!!
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Post by meo4 on May 22, 2013 21:30:14 GMT 12
Depends how it is transmitted if it over the airways yes if it via cable then no. Heard of few people noticing cell phone screen flashes over past week.
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Post by ngatimozart on May 23, 2013 22:20:21 GMT 12
If NZDF & RNZN say it belongs to the PLA(N) then it does. MFAT to scared of upset their noodle soup. The Soviets had one and it was Navy.
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Post by Kereru on May 24, 2013 17:47:56 GMT 12
Impressive looking and long?  If the big soccer ball you had has gone missing, I think I know where it is? :-)  Cheers |
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Post by beagle on May 24, 2013 18:59:02 GMT 12
if they are monitoring this board, hey guys. Go to the White Lady in downtown for a great burger.
It is a caravan parked on the roadside down a side street. Just follow the smells.
And if you can monitor my computer, no thats not porn, it's research.
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Post by ngatimozart on May 24, 2013 20:06:37 GMT 12
Wonder if the Velvet Touch still operates in Takapuna? They could go there being good sailors and all on a run ashore  |
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Post by Dave Homewood on May 24, 2013 21:56:00 GMT 12
That is an impressive looking ship. it looks like something from Thunderbirds.
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Post by beagle on May 24, 2013 21:56:38 GMT 12
The dip pool on the upper floors outside was a good laugh. That place went years ago. Flogged a towel when we left. NO, no other activities there that night, just a sauna and a splash in the pool. Honest. Was only 17 from memory.on junior course at Hobby.
Heard other senior base staff were regulars though.
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Post by corsair67 on May 24, 2013 23:23:39 GMT 12
Wonder if the Velvet Touch still operates in Takapuna? They could go there being good sailors and all on a run ashore Is that the Auckland version of the Blue Oyster Bar?  |
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Post by flyjoe180 on May 25, 2013 10:05:57 GMT 12
They must have declared no nuclear power on board or we wouldn't have allowed them to dock here. Sponsored by the Blue Oyster Velvet Touch not porn corporation.
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chrisr
Squadron Leader
Posts: 102
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Post by chrisr on May 25, 2013 12:49:52 GMT 12
Silly story. Wikipedia shows a picture of a similar ship here in 2005.
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Post by conman on May 25, 2013 17:05:51 GMT 12
Where are all the idiots that attacked the Waihopai dome now, would have thought they would be all over it, don't they realize this is probably the Chinese equivalent !
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Post by Kereru on May 25, 2013 18:08:52 GMT 12
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Post by baz62 on May 26, 2013 10:30:36 GMT 12
Impressive looking and long? If the big soccer ball you had has gone missing, I think I know where it is? :-) Cheers Bet you don't see any protestors, she isn't US!! |
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