Sailors on board the aircraft carrier Kittyhawk looking forward to off shore liberty in Hong Kong were crushed to learn that the Chinese government decided use their request to show Sino disapproval of our Yankee government actions by telling the U.S. sailors to take a hike. Needless to say, the Chinese club-footed response did not sit well with anyone this side of the Pacific Ocean. Apparently, surprised by the outrage the Chinese government officials reversed their decision based on face-saving "humanitarian" reasons and invited the Kittyhawk back. Too late, the Kittyhawk and the strike group had committed to return to Japan.
Today, the
Financial Times reports:
Japan has refused a Chinese request to tour an advanced combat ship as the US-China spat over Beijing’s refusal to allow a US aircraft carrier to dock in Hong Kong last week spilled over into Sino-Japanese military relations.
The Pentagon is now furiously back pedaling any thoughts of tits for tats-- Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman, said: ”this was an unfortunate incident...we’re going to move past it”.
After all, its not like we aren't Barney Rubble and Fred Flintstone, bosom buddies and life long friends with nothing but thoughts of the greater good for each other.
