(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-11-30 10:57

BEIJING - China on Thursday denied reports saying that aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk was prevented from docking in Hong Kong due to a misunderstanding.

The USS Kitty Hawk carrier is anchored at Malaysia's West Port in Port Klang, outside Kuala Lumpur, August 28, 2007. China on Thursday denied reports saying that aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk was prevented from docking in Hong Kong due to a misunderstanding. [File photo]

"We have taken note of the reports. I want to clarify that all the reports are not true," Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao told a regular press conference held in Beijing on Thursday.

Regarding the so-called protest from the United States, Liu said, China didn't receive any protests from the US side, adding "there should not be such protests".

Liu said China handles the visit of US military vessels and airplanes to Hong Kong in line with the principles of sovereignty and the specific situation on a case-by-case basis.

As for the case of Kitty Hawk, China followed the same principles, Liu added.

The USS Kitty Hawk was due to arrive in Hong Kong on November 21 to give its crew four days leave to spend Thanksgiving with their families.

China refused the ship access before changing its mind and allowing it to dock "out of humanitarian considerations".

However, the US said it was too late and the ship carried on to Japan.