U.S. flattop's port call to Hong Kong unrelated to China: officials

HONG KONG, Aug. 12 (Yonhap) -- U.S. aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan's port call to Hong Kong is not related to the recent launch of China's flattop, officials said Friday, playing down the timing of the U.S. vessel's arrival in the Chinese territory.
The aircraft carrier and four destroyers arrived in Hong Kong on Friday for a port visit. The group will be docking in Hong Kong until next Tuesday, giving sailors a chance to visit the city.
"As far as our port visit, this port visit has been planned for many, many months in advance. It's a routine port visit," said Robert Girrier, commander of the USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, without giving further details.
"The U.S. Navy visits Hong Kong on an average of about 40 times a year."
The visit comes two days after China test-ran its refitted former Soviet carrier Varyag on its first sea trial, a move that added to foreign concerns over Beijing's military expansion.
"I have no specific opinion regarding the sea trial," Girrier said.
The United States, however, will be watching military capability development of countries in the region, the commander added.
"Regarding military capabilities in the region, we watch those capabilities of several countries in the region. Our focus in the strike group is doing what we can to help enhance stability and security in the region," Girrier said.
"The U.S. Navy will continue to operate, as it has in the past, on the high seas and on the international waters."
ygkim@yna.co.kr