ID :
200897
Fri, 08/12/2011 - 14:30
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/200897
The shortlink copeid
U.S. flattop's port call to Hong Kong unrelated to China: officials
By Kim Young-gyo
(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 5, 9-10)
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, its commander said Friday, playing down the timing of his vessel's visit to 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," he said.
No specific military-to-military engagement has been planned during the five-day call, the commander said.
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 outside concerns over Beijing's military expansion.
"I have no specific opinion regarding the sea trial," Girrier said, adding that the United States, however, will be watching the military capabilities of countries in the region.
"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," he said. "The U.S. Navy will continue to operate, as it has in the past, on the high seas and on the international waters."
Girrier stressed that China is not a "threat" to the United States.
"(We) welcome the rise of China as a stable, prosperous and peaceful country," he said.
ygkim@yna.co.kr
(END)
(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 5, 9-10)
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, its commander said Friday, playing down the timing of his vessel's visit to 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," he said.
No specific military-to-military engagement has been planned during the five-day call, the commander said.
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 outside concerns over Beijing's military expansion.
"I have no specific opinion regarding the sea trial," Girrier said, adding that the United States, however, will be watching the military capabilities of countries in the region.
"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," he said. "The U.S. Navy will continue to operate, as it has in the past, on the high seas and on the international waters."
Girrier stressed that China is not a "threat" to the United States.
"(We) welcome the rise of China as a stable, prosperous and peaceful country," he said.
ygkim@yna.co.kr
(END)
