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| SecNav Ray Mabus (Wiki Info - Image: Wiki) |
The relationship between the United States and China has never been more important to our collective future. As part of our enduring strategy of rebalancing toward the Asia-Pacific region, the United States is deepening our engagement in this part of the world, which incorporates diplomacy, trade, economy, and defense. And a key to that rebalancing is a positive, cooperative and comprehensive relationship with China. The United States has long been a Pacific power. We have always tried to promote greater security and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and recognize that our interests are inextricably linked to Asia’s. Cooperating with China to realize shared goals is important to the maintenance of peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region and central to our approach.
The United States greatly appreciates China’s contributions to the global counter piracy effort. I am pleased our two Navies conducted a successful counter-piracy exercise in September, and we welcome China’s participation in the Rim of the Pacific exercise in 2014. These kinds of opportunities are invaluable when it comes to building trust between our two Navies.
During my time here I look forward to continuing our conversations and furthering our efforts toward achieving the goal of a military-to-military relationship that is healthy, stable, reliable, continuous and transparent. As two major Pacific Powers, the United States and China have the opportunity and responsibility to work together to ensure a peaceful, prosperous, and secure future. A strong United States-China partnership is essential for global security and prosperity for the 21st century.