Top Chinese admiral, Wu Shengli, visited the United States last week to get an inside tour of the fast-attack submarine located in the San Diego Bay. Although it may seem strange to hear of the U.S. and Chinese militaries becoming friendly, both parties are making attempts to strengthen communicative ties and ease Naval tensions.
Due to the rise of China’s maritime security, they’re a growing force that can’t be forgotten. Their relationship will hit a new historical level next summer when the Chinese Navy participates in the International Rim of the Pacific war games in Hawaii. This will mark their first year of participation with the U.S. and its Asian allies.
Some believe that the invite should not be extended to the Chinese military. Dean Cheng, a fellow at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C., explains, “RimPac is a multilateral exercise involving many of our closest allies, some of whom are having difficulty with China now.â€
U.S. Navy officer, Admiral Jonathan Greenert, hosted the Chinese admiral during his stay in San Diego. Greenert stated, “China is a growing navy, and they are a large and very capable navy. You can’t just look at each other and say, ‘You’re here, I’m here, and leave me alone.’ We must have a dialogue.â€
As the feeling towards benefiting the relations between the U.S. and China are mutual, the choice to invite China to RimPac as well as give Chinese Admiral Wu Shengli a close look at aircraft carrier Carl Vinson and submarine Jefferson City are valid. At the end of Shengli’s visit, he saw the Marines at Camp Pendleton.
As the United States continues to extend the olive branch, China lingers to reciprocate the friendly relation. As the largest seaforce in all of Asia, China is modern with a sophisticated submarine force and three new nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines.
Both the U.S. Navy top officer and his visitor, Wu, were hopeful and optimistic about the two nations joining together in the American war games in Hawaii. In 2012 alone, China and the U.S. conducted two or more anti-piracy operations off the coast of Africa.
Officer Greenert added, “He studies us, and we know him and his agenda. And he’s been pretty clear on his agenda, it’s what common ground can we find. I have political leadership and you do, too, so what is the common ground we can reach.â€
We will have an interesting story to follow as time continues. The relations between China and the U.S. look hopefully according to military affairs.
Photo Credit: Xiquinhosilva