U.S. Ships to Be Allowed to Dock in Hong Kong

China has granted permission for two American warships to dock in Hong Kong, a U.S. official said. The decision came just days before the International Olympic Committee votes on which city will host the 2008 Summer Games. Beijing is among the top contenders.

The move reverses a stance taken after a U.S. spy plane collided with a Chinese fighter jet in April.

In May, Beijing refused to allow a U.S. ship carrying 1,400 personnel to make a port call. But China notified the U.S. last week that two smaller warships can stop in Hong Kong on July 25-30, said Barbara Zigli, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong.