As part of a visit scheduled months ago, USPACOM Commander Adm. Harry B. Harris, Jr. conducted official calls with People’s Liberation Army leaders on Nov. 3 to continue high level dialogue between the United States and Chinese militaries.  Adm. Harris reiterated a United States commitment to sustained dialogue designed to maximize cooperation on areas of mutual interest while candidly addressing and managing disagreements.

Adm. Harris met first with Gen. Fang Fenghui, Chief of General Staff, for 90 minutes. Adm. Harris then met with Gen. Fan Changlong, Vice Chairman Central Military Commission, for 60 minutes.  Both meetings were candid, respectful and substantive discussions between military professionals.

Adm. Harris conveyed the United States’ concern regarding China’s behavior in the South China Sea, emphasized U.S. determination to fly, sail and operate throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific in accordance with international law, and urged China to publicly declare its intention not to further reclaim land, undertake construction of new facilities or militarize outposts in the South China Sea.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE