EFL - HT Drudge
ONG KONG, May 5 — A flotilla of Chinese warships sailed slowly down the length of Victoria Harbor today in a rare show of force that comes as democracy advocates here say they face growing intimidation by Beijing.
Two guided-missile destroyers, four guided-missile frigates and two submarines displayed China’s military strength for the first time since the territory was handed over by Britain in 1997. It marked a distinct change of tactics by Beijing.
The Chinese military has been a nearly invisible presence here for the last seven years. Soldiers are required to wear civilian clothing when they leave their bases, and the main base is tucked away on an island at the harbor’s western end..
But today , residents here watched as a submarine sailed past the downtown Bank of China tower, designed by I.M. Pei. Sailors in dress whites lined the sides of the destroyers and frigates, and some gave friendly waves to workers on a passing tugboat.
The People’s Liberation Army described the visit as an occasion to honor the navy’s 55th anniversary. But there was no such visit on the 50th anniversary in 1999. Today’s display, too, came as people favoring popular elections here find themselves under growing pressure.
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