Chinese navy commander's U.S. visit conducive to military ties: FM spokesman

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) navy commander Wu Shengli's U.S. tour is conducive to boosting pragmatic exchanges and cooperation and promoting mutual understanding and trust between the two armies, navies in particular, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Thursday.

The spokesman, Qin Gang, made the remarks at a regular press conference when asked to comment on Wu's ongoing visit to the United States.

Wu is visiting the United States from April 1 to 8 at the invitation of U.S. chief of naval operations Admiral Michael Mullen, according to Qin

Qin said Wu concluded his visit to Hawaii and Washington where he had met many high-ranking officials, including Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon R. England, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Peter Pace and U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Michael Mullen.

During his visit, Wu made candid, pragmatic and in-depth exchanges and reached a lot of consensus with the U.S. officers, Qin said.

Wu will also visit navy bases and academies in the next few days, Qin said.

Source: Xinhua