BEIJING, China -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson met with People's Liberation Army (Navy) (PLA(N)) commander Vice Adm. Shen Jinlong in Beijing, Jan 14.
The two heads of navy discussed professional interactions at sea, specifically addressing risk reduction and adherence to rules of behavior.
"I appreciate the opportunity to visit China and to meet with Vice Adm. Shen in person,” Richardson said. “There is no substitute for these types of face-to-face meetings. Given the responsibilities that our navies have in the larger nation to nation relationship, we must work together. These meetings between senior leaders allow us to speak candidly about areas where we agree and about how to manage risk while we resolve our differences."
While in Beijing, Richardson also visited PLA(N) headquarters, the PLA(N) Research Academy and met with other senior Chinese defense officials of the Central Military Commission.
“The U.S. and its allies and partners have operated consistently in the region for the last 70 years with a focus on mutual security. This presence has supported exponential growth in prosperity for all,” Richardson said. “Our vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific excludes no nation and we recognize that while our two nations may not always agree, it serves both our people’s interests to engage where we can.”
Richardson’s visit continues with a stop in Nanjing, where he is scheduled to visit the PLA(N) Command College for a roundtable discussion.
The visit is Richardson's second visit to China as the chief of naval operations.
The two admirals met previously at the International Seapower Symposium, hosted by Richardson in Newport, R.I. and have held three discussions via video teleconference.