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| China-Japan-Koreas |
| China sends warships through Hong Kong Harbor |
| 2004-05-05 |
| EFL - HT Drudge ONG KONG, May 5 — A flotilla of Chinese warships sailed slowly down the length of Victoria Harbor today in a rare show of force that comes as democracy advocates here say they face growing intimidation by Beijing. Two guided-missile destroyers, four guided-missile frigates and two submarines displayed China’s military strength for the first time since the territory was handed over by Britain in 1997. It marked a distinct change of tactics by Beijing. The Chinese military has been a nearly invisible presence here for the last seven years. Soldiers are required to wear civilian clothing when they leave their bases, and the main base is tucked away on an island at the harbor’s western end.. But today , residents here watched as a submarine sailed past the downtown Bank of China tower, designed by I.M. Pei. Sailors in dress whites lined the sides of the destroyers and frigates, and some gave friendly waves to workers on a passing tugboat. The People’s Liberation Army described the visit as an occasion to honor the navy’s 55th anniversary. But there was no such visit on the 50th anniversary in 1999. Today’s display, too, came as people favoring popular elections here find themselves under growing pressure. |
| Posted by:Yosemite Sam |
| #7 they've been manuevering for taking the spartlys for the last decade..these guys may not be to good on hi-tech but they are very dangerous and patient |
| Posted by: Dan 2004-05-05 8:22:19 PM |
| #6 Wait for the Gulf to blow up and China's oil gets cut off. It will real interesting, real quickly. |
| Posted by: Phil B 2004-05-05 7:50:40 PM |
| #5 never believe the chicoms would allow 50 years of two systems..but i thought they at least wait a decade.... not good for the region if china feels this confident.. |
| Posted by: Dan 2004-05-05 7:42:27 PM |
| #4
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| Posted by: BigEd 2004-05-05 6:04:31 PM |
| #3 There's nothin scarier than a surfaced submarine. |
| Posted by: Shipman 2004-05-05 5:47:47 PM |
| #2 A flotilla of Chinese warships sailed slowly down the length of Victoria Harbor today in a rare show of force that comes as democracy advocates here say they face growing intimidation by Beijing. Well, folks, Bejing promised Hong Kong some automomy, having a great existing economic engine and all. Now they feel that the mainland is catching up and, being the control freaks they are, the Chicoms are now tightening the screws. Anybody watching this from the beginning and believing ChiCom promises is delusional. |
| Posted by: Alaska Paul 2004-05-05 4:32:14 PM |
| #1 But did they dance? |
| Posted by: Robert Crawford 2004-05-05 3:56:40 PM |