MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- A military delegation from the People's Republic of China visited Marine units aboard Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River today.
The II Marine Expeditionary Force hosted Gen. Liang Guanglie (pronounced Lee-ahng gwang Lee-eh), PRC Minister of National Defense and several senior officers of his staff during the visit, which showcased the importance the U.S. Marine Corps places on the training and professional development of all Marines. It also allowed the U.S. Marine Corps to highlight their capabilities and contributions to the United States of America and global security.
The PRC military delegation flew in a MV-22B Osprey, observed a static display of Marine capabilities and equipment and participated in a luncheon with Marine noncommissioned officers.
"I think it's very significant," said Capt. Anna Voyne, the Marine Corps' foreign area officer for the PRC. "We have very little (military to military) opportunities with the PRC."
It had been nearly nine years since the last official visit to the U.S. by the Chinese Minister of National Defense, Voyne added.
In addition to visiting Camp Lejeune, General Liang and his delegation will visit other U.S. military bases on both the East and West coasts. This visit emphasizes the importance of improving our capacities to cooperate in areas of mutual interest, such as humanitarian assistance/disaster relief, and addressing non-traditional and transnational security threats and counter-piracy. Subsequent high-level exchanges and functional engagements will further reinforce these topics and foster greater understanding and increase mutual trust.