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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