The command ship "Blue Ridge" of the Seventh Fleet of the US Navy arrived in Shanghai Tuesday morning on a five-day visit.

Upon arrival, Commander of the Seventh Fleet Robert Willard and the US naval delegation were greeted by Zhao Guojun, commander of the East China Sea Fleet of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) with a welcome ceremony at the port.

Willard said in a speech that the current visit to Shanghai was a proof of the closer relations and frequent contacts between the armed forces of the United States and China as well as the two countries.

The visit is part of the military exchange plan for the year 2004 between China and the United States. It is the third time the Blue Ridge ever visited Shanghai.

The US naval delegation is scheduled to meet with Zhao Guojun and Deputy Mayor of Shanghai Feng Guoqin, and visit China's self-made guided missile frigate. There will also be joint musical performances and basketball matches between the two navies.

(Xinhua News Agency February 24, 2004)