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China allows U.S. warship to return to Hong Kong

SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Wednesday, September 8, 1999

HONG KONG -- A U.S. warship arrived on Tuesday in Hong Kong. This is the first time that Beijing has allowed a U.S. naval vessel to dock in Hong Kong after NATO forces bombed the Chinese Embassy in Yugoslavia in May.

A U.S. official said that he USNS Tippecanoe, staffed by 95 civilians and 21 military personnel will deliver fuel to warships at sea. The ship is scheduled to leave Friday.

The sailors ``will have a chance to sightsee, shop and enjoy recreational activities'' in Hong Kong, Robert Laing, a U.S. consular spokesman in Hong Kong said.

Beijing had cut off U.S. military ties and began withholding routine approval for U.S. warships and military jets to visit Hong Kong after it dismissed Washington's explanation that the bombing was an accident.

Laing refused to say whether Beijing would resume granting routine approval.

Until now, Beijing has refused requests by 10 warships and three military planes to visit Hong Kong. At the same time, it permitted three U.S. military jets to land.

In an unrelated development, Japanese officials reported on Tuesday that a Russian guided missile destroyer will stay at a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) base in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, southwest of Tokyo. from Sept. 16 to 20 before participating in Japan-Russia drills.

MSDF officials that the 6,700-ton Admiral Panteleyev based with the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet in Vladivostok is scheduled to dock at Yokosuka, southwest of Tokyo on the morning of Sept. 16 and remain until Sept. 20 before participating in Japan-Russia drills. The officials also said.that various events such as a welcoming ceremony are planned to promote defense exchanges between the two countries.

Wednesday, September 8, 1999



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