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Chinese warships dock in Guam harbor
Today is historic in the sense that it marks the first a time Chinese warships
have visited the island of Guam. The United States and Chinese navies have
exchanged a total of 14 warship visits over the years, according to a pamphlet
from People's Liberation Army Navy.
The Chinese Navy has made port calls in Hawaii, San Diego, and Seattle in 1989,
1997, and 2000, respectively. This morning the guided missile destroyer Shenzhen
and the supply ship Qinghaigu docked at Apra Harbor.
Any time the two largest militaries in the world meet, it's a big occasion. This
morning bands from both the China and U.S. navies played and dignitaries
gathered to welcome the 548 sailors aboard the Chenzhen and Qinghaigu. Deputy
Commander of the South Sea Fleet Rear Admiral Xue Tianpei was greeted by
Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Japan, Rear Admiral Frederic Ruehe. Using
interpreters, both officers gave speeches expressing remarkably similar
sentiments.
Said Real Admiral Ruehe, “The U.S./China relationship is of great importance to
the long-term political military and economic interest of the U.S. and China in
this region and throughout the world. Interaction between our navies maintains a
stable military to military relationship not only for the navies, but for the
nations.” Added Tianpei, “Close cooperation serves the interest of both
countries and will contribute to the peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific
region and the world, as well.”
Ruehe also says the U.S. recognizes the opportunity provided by the Chinese
visit. “We hold the important responsibility to do what we can to develop a
cooperative and constructive relationship,” he said. “Port calls like this one
will help us move forward and build a friendly relationship of cooperation and
mutual respect.”
Rear Admiral Tianpei agreed, saying, “We are willing to work with our American
counterparts to promote mutual understanding, enlarge common ground, minimize
differences, establish mutual trust so as to realize the continuous development
in our constructive relations of cooperation.” Rear Admiral Tianpei says his
sailors will have the opportunity to have shore leave and see Guam. “What we
look forward is the friendly exchanges with our U.S. military counterparts and
also we have heard you have very beautiful scenic spots so we are looking
forward to seeing.”
Various sporting events between the two navies have been scheduled and Chinese
and U.S. sailors will have the opportunity to take unclassified tours of each
others' ships. For security reasons the exact length of the Chinese warships
stay isn't being publicly released, but the visit is expected to last between
three to five days.
The visit by the Chinese Navy is a sign of warming relations between the two
super powers.
Tensions were high between the two nations after a U.S. spy plane and Chinese
fighter collided near the coast of China in 2001. Since then the U.S. and China
have been working to mend the rift caused by the incident.
Additionally, the local Chinese community came out to welcome the arrival of the
Chinese warships. Around fifty Guam residents with ties to China arrived at the
pier carrying American and Chinese flags and a large banner welcoming the two
ships. Alexander Chan says he and other members of the Chinese community on Guam
see the arrival as positive step between China and the U.S. He told KUAM News,
“We are curious and they are happy. They are happy to see a relationship
established between mainland China and the U.S.”
The federation of overseas Chinese Association of Guam will be holding a
cocktail party tomorrow evening to welcome the Chinese PLA ships.
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