Visit of the Chinese cruiser “Hai Chi”

[Statement for the Press.]

first chinese war vessel to visit the united states.

The Chinese cruiser Hai Chi, which recently attended the coronation celebration in England, will, by imperial sanction, visit New York, Cuba, and certain eastern ports of Mexico, and is expected to arrive in New York Sunday next. The Hai Chi is under the command of Rear Admiral Ching Pih Kwang, and besides the regular number of naval seamen has on board 42 officers.

Among the officers of the Chinese Navy in active service, Rear Admiral Ching Pih Kwang ranks second only to Admiral Sah Chen-ping, who visited the United States last year with Prince Tsai Hsun.

Admiral Ching is a native of the Province of Kwang-tung. He received his education in the Naval School at Foochow, and afterwards completed his studies in England. He served with credit through the war with Japan and took part in many engagements. For three years he was in command of the cruiser Hai Yung and made an extended cruise to the South Sea Islands. He was ordered [Page 84] to Peking about 1908 to assist in the reorganization of the Chinese Navy. Last June he proceeded to England in command of the cruiser Hai Chi to take part in the coronation ceremonies of King George V. Admiral Ching is an accomplished scholar, and speaks many languages fluently, including English.

The visit of the Hai Chi to the United States is the first appearance of a Chinese war vessel in American waters, and although Bear Admiral Ching is not coming as the Nation’s guest, this Government will do all it can to make his stay in America a pleasant one.