A Chinese fleet arrived at the US Naval Base in San Diego Monday
morning, marking the Chinese navy's first visit to a US mainland
port in nine years.
When the fleet composed by missile destroyer Qingdao and
auxiliary ship Hongzehu cruised into San Diego port, hundreds of
Chinese naval officers and sailors in white uniforms with blue
neckerchiefs, stood at attention at the rails.
Receiving the Chinese fleet, Rear Admiral Len Hering, the
commander of the US Navy Southwest Region, said more communication
and cooperation between the US and Chinese navy would help maintain
the peace in the Pacific.
"The US and Chinese navy both have the duty to keep peace and
stability in this region," Hering said. "We hope this visit will
help us better understand each other."
Rear Admiral Wang Fushan, deputy commander of the Chinese Navy
North Sea Fleet, said he was moved by the Americans'
hospitality.
"As soon as we arrived, we received a warm welcome," Wang said.
"On behalf of Chinese people and the People's Liberation Army, I
would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for your hospitality."
"Also, our officers and sailors are deeply impressed by the
professional level that the US navy has shown."
(Xinhua News Agency September 19, 2006)