Chinese Army chief Gen Fang Fenghui to visit US next week

WASHINGTON: The chief of the Chinese Army Gen Fang Fenghui would travel to the United States next week to hold talks with his American counterpart and visit American defense installations, the Pentagon has said.

"General Fang will arrive in San Diego (California) on Tuesday, where he will be hosted by the US 3rd fleet, and tour the aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan, a littoral combat ship, USS Coronado, and he will visit the US Marine Corps recruit depot there in San Diego," Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Admiral John Kirby told reporters yesterday.

General Fang is visiting the US at the invitation of General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The two military leaders would meet at the Pentagon on Thursday, where the Chinese General will receive a full military honors arrival ceremony.

"On Thursday, General Fang will visit US Army Forces Command in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, before rapping up his travel with meetings in New York," Kirby said.

"General Dempsey looks forward to the opportunity to meet again with General Fong and to continue their conversation on improving our mil-to-mil relationship with China," Kirby said.