The visit by some 1,500 officers of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy and a fleet of eight warships to mark the 55th anniversary of the navy task group came amid a growing row over democratic reforms in the former British colony.

It was the largest display of Chinese naval might in the territory since the 1997 handover from Britain, and was greeted by several hundred flag-waving supporters and an A-list of Chinese and Hong Kong officials, including chief executive Tung Che-hwa.

"The Chinese government is trying to whip up the banner of patriotism in order to consolidate the pro-Beijing forces in Hong Kong," said Hong Kong University political scientist Sonny Lo.

"You can identify that it is a very-well orchestrated, united front strategy. They are appealing to the pro-Beijing community to vote for them over the democrats," he added.

September's legislative elections are crucial for Hong Kong's pro-Beijing camp as it tries to check a burgeoning democracy movement.

Since July last year Hong Kong has been rocked by a number of huge public protests over the pace of democratic reform.

Public anger towards Beijing was running high again last week after the National People's Congress in Beijing decided Monday to block direct elections for the city's leader in 2007 and the entire legislature in 2008, crushing hopes of early democracy.

No date was given when full democracy would be allowed although China has said its ultimate aim was to achieve universal suffrage, but in a "gradual and orderly" manner.

In a move that incensed the pro-democracy camp, Beijing also declared it had the final say over any political reforms in Hong Kong.

But Ivan Choy, another political analyst at the Hong Kong University, said China has to tread carefully given growing frustration in the territory. He said it was unlikely that efforts to win hearts and minds such as the naval visit would sway discontented voters away from the democrats.

"The mood in the society at the moment is quite confrontational," Choy said. "I don't know if the naval visit would be effective because Hong Kong is going through quite a sensitive period. Hong Kong people are quite frustrated and they will try to find all opportunities to express their grievance."

Public dissatisfaction with the Hong Kong government's handling of relations with the central authorities in Beijing is at its highest level since the 1997 handover from Britain, an opinion poll showed Wednesday.

Some were excited by last week's arrival of Chinese warships.

"I am proud of our country. I've never thought we have warships with such high quality. It gives me a sense of belongings," said 15-year-old student Simon Yeung.

But others weren't so easily swayed. In Hong Kong's financial district, 35-year-old banker Leung Chi-fai asked, "How would a few ships change our mind on how we see China?

"The damage has been done," he said.

WAR.WIRE