Dong Zhen/Shanghai Daily news
Shanghai is hosting a series of events - including the country's largest sea
rescue drill - to mark the 600th anniversary of the voyages of China's ancient
mariner, Zheng He.
In addition to the emergency exercise, city authorities
are also planning a major oceanographic exhibition and an international maritime
forum.
The 2005 East China Sea United Search and Rescue Drill is scheduled to
take place at the Yangshan Deep-water Port south of Shanghai on Thursday.
The city's maritime and emergency crews will participate in a scenario involving
a mock collision between two ships and a leak of oil and hazardous
chemicals.
A weeklong oceanographic exhibition will open on Friday at the
Shanghai Exhibition Center, featuring models and other displays depicting
Zheng's voyage and the history of Chinese navigation.
The Shanghai Maritime
Safety Administration will hold a two-day international forum today.
More
than 200 maritime officials from a dozen countries including the United States
and Russia will discuss the establishment of a fund to cover losses from oil
spills, among other issues, authorities said yesterday.
An epic musical
drama based on the voyage of Zheng's fleet will be held at Yihai Theater from
Friday to next Monday.