The USS Wasp joins other US Navy vessels in maneuvering around Hurricane Maria before eventually returning to assist the US Virgin Islands, in the Caribbean Sea, Sep 19, 2017. (Photo: Reuters/Jonathan Drake)
Asia Times: Beijing says US warship cannot dock in Hong Kong
Move comes amid rising trade and military tension between the superpowers.
China has turned down a request for a US warship to visit Hong Kong amid rising tension between the two superpowers over trade and military moves.
The USS Wasp was due to make a port call in the former British colony next month, but diplomats have said Beijing had blocked amphibious assault ship from visiting.
The decision is the second in two years by China despite many years of “successful” port visits by US ships in Hong Kong, US diplomats said.
In 2016, Beijing denied a request for a USS John C Stennis carrier strike group to visit Hong Kong during a time of tension over its territorial claims in the South China Sea.
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Update #1: China denies Hong Kong port visit for U.S. navy ship amid trade tensions -- Reuters
Update #2: China denies request for Hong Kong port call by American warship -- SCMP
WNU Editor: I expect these tensions to only continue.
