HOW FAR WILL THE DRAGON SWIM?

To The Outer Edge of NATO and Beyond

 PLAN COMMANDER VISITS TURKEY

 Admiral Emurat Bolguel. Commander of the Turkish Navy has invited Admiral Wu Shengli, a member of China's Central Military Commission of the people's Republic of China and Commander of the People's Liberation Army's Navy (PLAN) to visit Turkey. Admiral Wu Shengli departed Beijing yesterday for the visit. Turkey is a member of NATO inhabiting a frontier position in close proximity to many trouble spots in the Mediterranean. Turkey participates in the counter piracy patrols off of Somalia. 

 Public announcements indicate that during his visit Admiral Wu Shengli will met with Turkish military and naval representatives for some direct military to military discussions. Publicly announced discussion subjects include cooperation on the anti piracy patrols, exchanges of war ship visits, and even exchanges of naval academy students. 

Opinion: Clearly last month's visit by the Dragon to the Black Sea by way of the Mediterranean was no fluke. The dragon has come to the Mediterranean because he can, and he intends to stay. We are now definitely looking at the tip of the Dragon's nose in the tent.

CHINA