For the first a Chinese military delegation is being permitted
to observe US naval exercises in the Pacific. A 10-member military
delegation is currently in Guan watching the drills.
The group, including three generals from the army, air force and
navy of the People's Liberation Army as well as foreign affairs
officials will witness the drills dubbed 'Valiant Shield 2006'
which are being held between June 19-23.
The exercise involves three US aircraft carrier groups, 30
warships, 280 aircraft and 22,000 personnel, according to a Xinhua
report.
The invitation for Chinese officers to view the exercise came
from Admiral William J. Fallon, commander of the US Pacific
Command, during his visit to China last month.
It's the first time China has sent observers to watch exercises
by the American military in US territory. And it's also the first
time that China has been invited to view exercises being undertaken
solely by US.
The Chinese delegation toured the aircraft carrier the Ronald
Reagan on Sunday.
The invitation to observe the US exercises was an important part
of military exchanges between China and the US, Xinhua quoted an
unnamed official from the Ministry of Defense as saying in its
earlier report.
(China Daily June 20, 2006)