The South African Navy's escort ship SAS SPIOENKOP ended its five-day good-will visit to China and left east China's port city of Shanghai on Monday.

The warship is the first one ever sent to China by an African state. The visit is also part of activities to mark the 10th anniversary of the establishment of China-South Africa diplomatic ties.

While in Shanghai, South African soldiers toured a Chinese warship and some places of interest including the Oriental Pearl Television Tower, and had a football match with their Chinese counterparts.

After leaving China, the warship is to pay a visit to Vietnam.

(Xinhua News Agency October 21, 2008)