Even at times when they can't see eye to eye on economic and trade
issues, China and the United States can still find common ground
when it comes to law enforcement on the sea.
Visiting Vice Admiral Charles Wurster, commander of the Pacific
Area and Defense Force West of US Coast Guard, was optimistic
yesterday when discussing expanding exchanges and relations with
China.
"The purpose of my visit is to reinforce the areas that we
already began cooperation," Wurster said.
The vice admiral was in Shanghai, where he joined the USCG's
cutter Boutwell, on a port call there until August 20.
It will take part in law enforcement exchanges with Chinese
counterparts in the North Pacific Coast Guard Forum (NPCGF).
Local residents will also have a chance to board the 378-foot
cutter.
Wurster said the NPCGF, set up in 1999, is one of the most
successful multilateral and bilateral coast guard forums in the
world.
He said the US and other organizations are considering a similar
one for the Atlantic.
The forum includes members from China, the US, Japan, Russia,
Canada and South Korea.
Meetings between experts are held annually to share information
on how to successfully combat issues such as drug trafficking,
marine security, fisheries enforcement and illegal immigration.
In coming days, Wurster will meet Chinese officials from the
Ministry of Public Security and other relevant authorities.
Wurster said the relationship between the US Coast Guard and
Chinese counterparts was not subject to political factors.
"We have continuing visits and professional exchanges," he
said.
The US Coast Guard has provided data to Chinese search vessels
in the North Pacific.
Sequoia, a small US Coast Guard Cutter, was the first USCG
vessel to visit China last year.
A couple of weeks later, Honolulu-based Rush, a much
larger USCG cutter with 168 crew, visited Qingdao.
Last October, an NPCGF summit was held in Sanya, Hainan Island,
where six nations agreed to intensify coordination and consultation
in maritime law enforcement.
Since 1980, USCG engineers have conducted equipment inspection
visits to Chinese shipyards, major manufactures of the world's
marine vessels.
(China Daily August 17, 2007)
