The People's Republic of China Minister of National Defense Gen. Liang Guanglie is accompanied by Brig. Gen. Christopher Owens, the deputy commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force, during his visit to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 9. During the visit, II MEF Marines showcased several Marine Corps vehicles and equipment sets to highlight the Corps' emphasis on training and professional development and its capabilities and role in U.S. and global security. Liang and the rest of the Chinese delegation are in the midst of a tour of several military installations on the East and West Coasts at the invitation of U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta. The purpose of these visits is to highlight the improvement of the U.S.'s capacity to cooperate in areas of mutual interest, such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and addressing non-traditional and transnational security threats and counter-piracy.