Chinese naval ships visit US East Coast for first time

From left: Ye Jianlin, political commissar of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Fleet 152; Chinese Ambassador to the US Cui Tiankai; US Navy Region Southeast Commander Mary Jackson; and Wang Jianxun, commander of the PLAN Fleet 152, pose for a photo with Rebecca and Myles Abram, the twin brother and sister who presented flower bouquets, during a welcoming ceremony at the US Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Florida, on Nov 3. Chen Weihua/China Daily

NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, the United States - Three Chinese naval ships arrived Tuesday at the United States' Naval Station Mayport for the first time, kicking off a five-day goodwill visit.

The visit, made by the Chinese naval Escort Task Group 152, is part of its global voyage.

This move helps further strengthen the exchange and cooperation between the Chinese and US navies and lays a solid foundation for the two sides to build a harmonious ocean and world, commander of the Chinese fleet Wang Jianxun said at the welcome ceremony at the naval station.

Rear Admiral Mary Jackson, commander of US Navy Region Southeast, said as the U.S. and Chinese crew members will interact with each other during the visit, a feeling of respect and friendship will be formed and good memories will last for a lifetime.

Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai hailed the visit as a significant part of military-to-military exchanges between the two countries this year. He said the visit demonstrates that the Chinese navy is a staunch defender of peace, stability as well as freedom of navigation.

During the visit, the U.S. navy will host receptions, picnics, as well as sporting events for Chinese crew members. The two sides will also conduct a joint military exercise after the visit.

Naval Station Mayport, located in Jacksonville, Florida, is the third-largest naval surface fleet concentration area in the United States and home to the Fourth Fleet of the US Navy.