Despite ongoing tension between the U.S. and China in the South China Sea, a U.S. Navy destroyer has made a goodwill visit to the port of Shanghai.

The visit by the USS Stethem follows protests last month by China after the U.S. Navy's guided missile destroyer USS Lassen came within 12 nautical miles of the disputed Subi Reef.

Like Us on Facebook

"Sometimes countries might have some disagreements," said Commanding Officer Cmdr. Harry L. Marsh, "yet our navies are able to operate safely at sea."

The ship visited Qingdao prior to docking in Shanghai. During the visit to Qingdao, Chinese military officials were welcome on board for guided tours and a shipboard reception. Leaders from both ships also engaged in planning for a combined search and rescue exercise that was conducted at sea.

"We enjoyed the unique opportunity to strengthen our existing relations between our navies." said Marsh. "This visit gave our Sailors a valuable learning experience and a chance to share what they are trained and prepared so well to do, while sharing our cultures with one another."

Chief Boatswain's Mate Charles T. Stillinger added that "it was a very unique and exciting opportunity to compare our search and rescue [SAR] techniques with those of the Chinese. I was able to gain new ideas and observe alternate SAR techniques that we could potentially implement in the future in order to make our program as effective as possible."

The USS Stethem is part of the U.S. Navy's Destroyer Squadron 15, which is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, and is part of the 7th Fleet, which was established in Australia in 1943 and based in Qingdao at the end of World War II. The fleet conducts more than 1,200 engagements annually with the 35 other maritime nations of the Indo-Asia-Pacific to promote regional security and stability.

 The Subi Reef has been transformed by Beijing into an island over the objections of the U.S. and some Chinese neighbors. The U.S.  says that the man-made islands do not qualify as Chinese territorial waters.

TagsU.S. Destroyer Visits Shanghai Amid South Sea Tension, The Spratly Islands, USS Lassen came within 12 nautical miles, U.S. Navy’s Destroyer Squadron 15, USS Stethem Chins, USS Stethem