Bad Manners on Display

The US Navy objected to China's decision to deny an American aircraft carrier group and other vessels access to the Hong Kong port, Reuters reported. The American commander of the US Pacific Command, which is responsible for all US military activities in the Pacific region, said China's action showed it was not meeting its obligations as a "responsible nation." China denied entry to Hong Kon g to the USS Kitty Hawk aircraft carrier and eight accompanying ships it for a Thanksgiving holiday visit. Separately, access was also denied to the USS Guardian and USS Patriot, which were seeking shelter from a storm. According to the US, China has not explained its actions. American military officials said Hong Kong remained a reliable port for US ships, although more cooperation between the two countries was required.

I was in Hong Kong the day after this occurred, and everyone was speculating why the government did it. Most people felt the Dali Lama's visit was one instigator. Everyone was angry, not only for the refusal itself, but for the effect the decision had on local merchants/vendors.

As I understand it, China initially denied entry to the ships and they turned around and sailed out. Then the Chinese reversed their positions but the ships were not about to return. Hopefully someone at some level of the US government understands the message that China was trying to send; otherwise, the effort by the Chinese was entirely wasted.

The denial to the two ships seeking shelter for the storm was inexcusable and that point needs to be made.