The Honolulu-based US Coast Guard cutter Rush berthed in east
China's coastal city of Qingdao on Sunday afternoon at the
beginning of a five-day visit at the invitation of China's Ministry
of Public Security (MPS).
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Rush is the first major Coast Guard vessel to visit China since
World War II, according to Capt. Dana Ware, the vessel's commanding
officer. The 115-meter cutter and its crew of 190 were warmly
welcomed by Chinese counterparts and local people upon their
arrival in the harbor at Qingdao.?
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Major General Chen Weiming of the MPS Border Control Department and
Vice Admiral Charles D. Wurster of the US Coast Guard addressed the
welcoming crowds.?
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During Rush's stay in Qingdao the two sides will conduct
professional law enforcement exchanges which will serve to enhance
international cooperation policing law at sea.
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Both Chinese and US law enforcement teams will also hold a forum to
discuss and demonstrate techniques for boarding and searching
suspected vessels and share information on combating crimes at
sea.
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Rush crew members will also participate in sporting events such as
basketball and cultural tours with their Chinese counterparts to
deepen mutual understanding. The Coast Guard is part of the
Department of Homeland Security of the US Law enforcement
cooperation is recognized as being important to Sino-US
relations.?
To enforce the China-US agreement on mutual legal assistance in
criminal matters -- combating transnational crimes, anti-narcotics
patrols, the return of fugitives and illegal immigration -- the two
countries have enhanced relations since the setting-up of the
China-US Joint Liaison Group on law enforcement cooperation in 1998
which is designed to promote bilateral cooperation in combating a
range of crimes.
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Rush is one of two High Endurance Cutters based in Honolulu. The
primary mission of Rush is to enforce laws and treaties and conduct
search and rescue missions throughout Pacific waters.?
(Xinhua News Agency June 12, 2006)