USS Fitzgerald, part of the U.S. Navy’s Forward Deployed Naval Force operating from Japan, arrived for a port visit in Qingdao, China, Sunday, where it is joining 20 other vessels from 14 different countries in an international fleet review to recognize the 60th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy.
U.S. Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead is the senior official representing the U.S. military at the event, which is also being attended by delegations from 29 other nations.
A Financial Times article published today highlighted Roughead’s discussions Sunday with his Chinese counterpart Vice Adm. Wu Shengli, during which the two talked about cooperative anti-piracy efforts in the Horn of Africa and other ways to enhance renewed military dialogue and cooperation between China and the U.S.
Ship visits offer an opportunity for the participating navies to interact and discuss issues of common concern, and are helpful in advancing military-to-military relationships.
U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM) looks forward to resuming more robust military-to-military engagements with the Chinese military to build mutual trust and understanding.
As noted in Adm. Timothy Keating’s March testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, “Improving the interaction between USPACOM and China’s armed forces is critical to maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and reassures our regional allies, partners and friends. While cautiously optimistic, we seek a mature, constructive relationship with our Chinese counterparts. Through cooperation and candor we aim to reduce the chances of miscalculation, increase mutual understanding, and encourage cooperation in areas of common
interest.”
With the US Forces so tied up in Iraq and Afghanistan. The US should try to bolster the Military Forces of allied Asian nations. the US could beef up allied militaries at little cost by passing on surplus weapons. The US could provide the Philippine Navy with retired Coast Guard Ships such as the 378 foot long endurance Cutter and 210 foot medium endurance Cutter. Also a squad of early model F16 Jets could be donated to the Philippine Air Force as they have been donated to Jordan and other nations. This aid would greatly enable the Philippine military to fight Communism , Piracy and Terrorists.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
ReplyDeleteThe U.S. is not so tied up in Iraq and Afghanistan that it is not capable of effectively responding to any crisis across the spectrum of operations. Our Pacific Command Strategy, which is based on partnership, readiness, and presence, helps to ensure should a crisis arise that the U.S. and its allies are prepared to work together to protect our shared interests.
Regarding the Philippines, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and PACOM work closely together to identify and acquire equipment, training, and logistics for weapons systems that are appropriate for the threat environment and ensure long-term sustainability and affordability.