HK playing host to first Chinese navy ship since handover

In an apparent attempt to quell trepidation over China's military, the Chinese navy put on a charm offensive yesterday on their first visit since this former British colony was returned to Beijing's rule more than four years ago.

Under a blazing sun, school children waved flags and a military band played patriotic music while Hong Kong's top political leader, Tung Chee-hwa (董建華), greeted naval officers from the guided-missile destroyer Shenzhen at the naval base on Stonecutters island. The warship will be open to the public during its four-day port call

China has been sensitive about not stirring up any bad memories that Hong Kong people might have about the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989, when Chinese troops killed hundreds of pro-democracy protesters.