US aircraft carrier in Hong Kong amid tension

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

AFP
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A US aircraft carrier has arrived in the city amid heightened tension between Washington and Beijing. (Photo: AFP)

HONG KONG — A US aircraft carrier arrived in Hong Kong Wednesday amid heightened tension between Washington and Beijing over arms sales to Taiwan and President Barack Obama's plan to meet the Dalai Lama.

The stop by the USS Nimitz, one of the world's largest warships, came only weeks after China said it would suspend military and security contacts with the US over Washington's 6.4-billion-dollar arms package for Taipei.

The stopover came as exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama headed for the US for a long-awaited meeting with Obama, a visit that has infuriated Beijing.

" Hong Kong is a vibrant city and a favourite port-of-call for our sailors. We look forward to an enjoyable stay here," John Miller, commander of the carrier, said in a statement.

More than 5,000 sailors from the carrier and its accompanying fleet will be sent ashore for sightseeing and community services projects during the four-day visit, the statement said.

The US State Department said last week the visit would boost ties between the people and militaries of the two countries.

"We think it is an important part of not only our outreach and engagement with the Chinese people but an important dimension of our military-to-military relationship," department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters in Washington.

Beijing has said the arms package for Taiwan violates a US pledge to reduce weapons sales to the island, which China considers part of its territory awaiting reunification.