M'LAND CHINESE WARSHIPS IN HONG KONG A SHOW OF NAVAL MIGHT: MND
2004-05-04 16:41:15
Taipei, May 4 (CNA) Mainland China sent eight warships to Hong Kong to display its naval might, a spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense said Tuesday.
Maj. Gen. Huang Suey-sheng made the remarks in response to reports that mainland China wants to show its might prior to President Chen Shui-bian's inauguration on May 20 and that the eight missile-equipped vessels will also navigate the Taiwan Strait on that day to display its firepower.
Huang said that according to defense ministry information, the ships visited Hong Kong at the invitation of the Special Administrative Region's government, and that the visit by some 1,500 officers of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the PLA Navy. Visitors were invited aboard the ships during their port call and performances by military bands were given.
The visit was mainly for domestic and foreign publicity and to display the mainland's naval might, Huang said, adding that the defense ministry has kept abreast of every Chinese military movement.
On whether Chinese warships will pass through the Taiwan Strait after ending their Hong Kong port call, Huang only said that the ministry will monitor the situation.
Huang reaffirmed that the ministry is aware of the possible scenarios that Beijing could use to use military force against Taiwan and is ready for them all.
On reports that U.S. navy ships will also navigate the sea routes off southeast Taiwan on the eve of May 20 to ensure the stability of the Taiwan Strait, Huang said that it is not appropriate for him to comment on U.S. military movements.
(By Lilian Wu)
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