A.G. Gancarski
In this brave new multipolar world, what once seemed unthinkable is the new normal.
An example of such: China’s People’s Liberation Army’s Naval forces coming to Mayport, and before that, meeting with Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry in City Hall.
On Monday, an email went to the mayor’s office from Michael Chan, the protocol officer of Navy Region Southeast, announcing that the PLA “received diplomatic clearance” for a Port Visit to Mayport… the first ever by the Chinese military to the East Coast.
A destroyer, a frigate, and a replenishment ship will be in Jacksonville from November 3 to November 7.
The PLA wants Curry and staffers to attend the “official welcome ceremony” on November 3, and they want an “office call” with the mayor the next day.
Even if Curry is traveling, they still want to visit City Hall November 4.
The Chinese ambassador, consul general, and senior military officials will be on hand.
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