Posted 30 April, 2004 11:20 EST
http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?F=2875595&C=asiapac
China Flexes Naval Muscle in Hong Kong
By STEPHANIE WONG, HONG KONG
To the beat of traditional drums and patriotic music, a fleet of Chinese warships sailed into Hong Kong April 30 for the largest display of naval strength in the territory since handover from Britain in 1997.
Eight vessels — including two guided missile destroyers, four frigates and two submarines — and 1,500 officers arrived for a six-day stopover as several hundred flag-waving supporters turned out to greet them.
Officials said the parade of naval hardware was to mark the 55th anniversary of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, but observers say it was also meant as a warning against Taiwanese independence moves and foreign meddling in Hong Kong’s political affairs.
“We are highly concerned about the current political situation in Taiwan,” said the task group’s commander, Vice-Admiral Yao Xingyuan, when asked about the island, which China considers part of its territory and which is awaiting reunification.
“We, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, are ready for the call from our country. We have the capability of maintaining the political stability of Taiwan,” he said.
China’s uneasy relations with Taiwan, ruled separately from the mainland since 1949, have not been aided by the March re-election of pro-independence president Chen Shui-bian.
Hong Kong University political analyst Sonny Lo said the visit was aimed at demonstrating China’s military might and sending a strong signal that it has control over the Taiwan situation.
“It is a demonstration of their willingness to use military force with Taiwan if necessary, and to tell the United States that Hong Kong is a Chinese territory.”
Lo said the visit follows China’s unhappiness with the United States for its recent statements in support of democracy in Hong Kong after Beijing lawmakers this week threw out demands for universal suffrage in the territory.
Some 200 members of the PLA navy, air force and army marched through Hong Kong’s Ngong Shuen Chau naval base and paraded in front of the “Shenzhen,” the biggest vessel berthed there.
Seven gold Chinese dancing lions performed an acrobatic display in front of the 154-meter, 6,000-ton missile destroyer.
Red carpets also were rolled out for a line-up of Hong Kong chief executive Tung Chee-hwa, accompanied by navy commanders, and Chinese and Hong Kong officials.
Among them were Gao Siren, chief of China’s representative office in Hong Kong; Deputy Commander of Guangzhou Military Command Lt. Gen. Ou Jingu; and Commander of Hong Kong Garrison Maj. Gen. Wang Jitang.
Tung thanked the navy for coming to the former British colony for the protection of Hong Kong.
“We thank you for your strong support to us and for ensuring the long-term prosperity of Hong Kong,” Tung said at the welcoming ceremony, to the tune of patriotic Chinese music played by the PLA military band.
Shenzhen will be open to the public.
Дружище, когда вы принимаете чью-то помощь, довольствуйтесь тем, что вам дают, а не тем, что вы хотели бы взять. У меня, как и у всех, возможности ограниченные, но с вашей стороны попрекать меня их ограниченностью - черная неблагодарность.
Роберт Шекли, "Обмен разумов"