China Explains Refusal to Let US Navy Ship Dock in Hong Kong: Lead Paint
HONG KONG --- After distress over China's refusal to allow a US Naval ship to dock in Hong Kong for the Thanksgiving Holiday, and explanation was finally given to diffuse tension between the two powerful nations.
"We had a product recall on the port in question," said a Chinese military official. "We got word from the US inspectors the day of the Navy request that the port contained a lead paint that is 3,750-times higher than allowed by US maritime law. After further inspection, the port also contained small parts that could become a choking hazard for the sailors on board those ships. The denial was regrettable, and the Chinese inspector in charge of the port has been terminated."





