US's chief of naval operation, Admiral John Richardson will pay a three-day visit to China, starting from today. This is Richardson's first visit to China since he took the current post last September.

During his staying, he will meet with China's commander of the PLA navy, Wu Shengli. The top navy officials are expected to discuss about South China Sea issues, Rim of the Pacific naval exercises and cooperation between the two nations.

Richardson will visit Beijng and coastal city of Qingdao, where he will also pay a trip to Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning.

In the mean time, US has deployed two P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to Singapore from its Kadena Air Base in Japan's Okinawa. 

The U.S. 7th Fleet will rotationally deploy two P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to Singapore from July 15 through August 12 in support of shared maritime security initiatives.