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PLA general tours US carrier amid South China Sea tensions
General Fang Fenghui tours American aircraft carrier
Top Chinese General Fang Fenghui has toured an American aircraft carrier at the start of his US visit. Fang is the Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. Shortly after his arrival in San Diego on on May 13, he visited the nuclear-powered
USS Ronald Reagan at a base of the US Third Fleet. His escort was the head of the US Pacific Command, Admiral Samuel Locklear.
China's high-level PLA official bounds for US
Chief of General Staff of China’s People's Liberation Army, General Fang Fenghui, is scheduled to meet his American counterpart during his tour of the US which begins in San Diego on Tuesday.
May 13
| Landed at a San Diego naval base and visited the nuclear-powered USS Ronald Reagan and Littoral Combat Ship 4 (LCS 4).
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May 14
| Fang was scheduled to visit the National Defense University in Washington.
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May 15
| Fang was scheduled to meet with top US military officer, General Martin Dempsey, at the Pentagon.
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Source: Reuters
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Zhao Xiaozhuo, a research fellow of the center on China-US defense relations at the PLA Academy of Military Science, told the
Global Times (Chinese edition) on May 14 that the US has displayed great sincerity in opening its San Diego naval base to General Fang Fenghui. The highly-advanced nuclear-powered
USS Ronald Reagan and Littoral Combat Ship 4 (LCS 4) that Fang visited will play a large role in the US Asia-Pacific strategy.
Another Chinese military expert was quoted as saying the visit was strategically arranged. The US wants to appear transparent while at the same time attempting to shock China with its powerful weaponry.
Ruan Zongze, vice president of the China Institute of International Studies, opined on
people.com.cn May 14 that the upcoming China-Russia naval drills stand testament to the two nations’ improved military ties.
China-US military ties have recently shown signs of sustainable development. While the leadership of both nations highly value military ties, they also do not want to hinder Sino-US relations. However, we must remember that future obstacles still exist, such as the US stance on the Diaoyu Islands.
The meeting between China and US military leaders has ushered in a new era of ties between the great powers, said
military expert Yin Zhuo on
people.com.cn May 14. The two nations share many common interests on issues such as global counter terrorism and maintaining regional and world peace.
The invitation of General Fang Fenghui to visit the
USS Ronald Reagan and Littoral Combat Ship 4 (LCS 4) also sends a strong message, saying China should not overestimate its power or underestimate US power. The US is also concerned the two nations will come to heads over bad decisions. In fact, the worries are not necessary.
CCTV special commentator Hong Lin said on May 14 that the display of US advanced military weapons show mutual trust between China and the US. It means the US views China as an important player in the Asia-Pacific region.
ReutersAnalysts say efforts by the United States and China to increase military contacts could be helpful in preventing an incident at sea from escalating into conflict.
Those efforts includes Fang's visit, as well as one by US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel a month ago to China, where he toured China's sole aircraft carrier, the
Liaoning.
Web editor: gelili@globaltimes.com.cn