A Chinese guided-missile destroyer docks at the Ngong Shuen Chau Naval Base in Hong Kong yesterday. China will expand the membership of the military's top decision-making body to ''suit the needs of modern warfare'' if Taiwan declares independence. A Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy task group visited Hong Kong for a six day stop over. The group includes two guided-missile destroyers, four guided missile frigates and two submarines, which comprise China's biggest show of military force in the territory since its 1997 handover from Britain.May 01, 2004

PHOTO: REUTERS