Visiting navy leaders in Qingdao unanimous on building "harmonious ocean"

Source: Xinhua | 04-22-2009 17:57

QINGDAO, April 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and foreign navy leaders voiced unanimous opinions about building harmony in the ocean during their exchanges in Qingdao before an international fleet review to be held Thursday marking the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy.

High-level delegations from 29 countries and 21 vessels from 14 countries are in the east port city Qingdao of Shandong Province to take part in the review and other activities, including a symposium.

Ding Yiping, deputy commander of PLA Navy, told Xinhua Wednesday that the visiting navy leaders have agreed to China's concept of harmony in the ocean and reached consensus on building a harmonious, just and free ocean.

Admiral Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations of the United States, told Xinhua exclusively that he looks forward to continuing to work with the PLA Navy as he believes any problem can be addressed cooperatively.

Roughead also said at the symposium held Tuesday he was pleased to see that commanders of the U.S. and Chinese task forces at the Gulf of Aden exchanged visits to each other's command ships to enhance cooperation.