China Sails Warships Into Hong Kong

[Snazzy]

China Sails Warships Into Hong Kong

Apr 30, 3:50 AM (ET)

By MIN LEE

HONG KONG (AP) - The Chinese navy sailed eight warships into Hong Kong on Friday, Beijing's biggest show of military force since the former colony's 1997 handover from Britain.

The port call appeared to be aimed at boosting patriotism in Hong Kong, but analysts also said China was apparently flexing its naval muscles to send a message discouraging Taiwan from any thoughts of independence.

"We are always on call," said Yao Xingyuan, commander of the battle group. "If necessary, we have the ability to preserve the stability of the Taiwanese political situation."

...

The port call comes with many Hong Kongers angry about Beijing's decision to rule out full democracy here anytime soon.

....

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20040430/D8290AH80.html

(recall Cheney's and Pappy *'s recent visits)

[ConcernedCanuk]

1. I suppose this could be a "message" to Washington also?

.
.
.

But there IS a Naval Base in Hong Kong (Ngong Shuen Chau) so I can understand China's reluctance to let the Hong Kong bregion be "democratic" ( I'm beginning to wonder what that word means lately)

However, the PLA(Chinese People's Liberation Army) claims it's only a 6 day stop-over to celebrate the 55th Anniversary of the founding of the Navy.




From the China Daily:
PLA Navy task group visits in Hong Kong

The task group comprises eight vessels including two guided missile destroyers, four guided missile frigates and two submarines.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government held a grand welcoming ceremony Friday noon for the task group at the Ngong Shuen Chau Naval Base.

Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa said at the ceremony that the warships of the task group are to open to visitors during their stay and Hong Kong people will "have a good chance to comprehend our navy's modernization process and cultivate passion for the motherland."

Tung said that over the past seven years since Hong Kong returned to the motherland, the garrison of the People's Liberation Army has provided great support to Hong Kong's development, which is hailed by Hong Kong residents.

MORE

It also states that the "Task Group" is to leave on May 5th.

Hmm - wonder which direction they are going?

[xchrom]

2. multiple meaning

these warships are there to remind the average citizen in both hong kong and taiwan what self determination really means in the context of the people's liberation army.
we forget sometimes that the pla has it's own agenda -- it is a huge organization and has to suck in resources all the time to merit it's continued existence.

[ConcernedCanuk]

3. " has to suck in resources all the time to merit it's continued existence.

.
.
.

Heck, that sounds like another Military outfit I've been hearing a lot about lately!

They tax the living daylights out of the poor people while the rich get all sorts of loop-holes and "shelters".

And, they have some sort of mysterious agenda also,

Must be "catching" thing?

-:shrug:-

[The Backlash Cometh]

4. At least now we know why they were buying the U.S.'s scrap metal.

*