Miscommunication Leading to Misunderstanding

Yesterday, driving back from Rockaway Beach (I winterized the cabins), I heard a report on NPR telling how the Chinese did not allow a US aircraft carrier to dock in Hong Kong. The reporter said the white house said it was a misunderstanding by the Chinese and they (the Chinese) were seeking to remedy the situation.

The report told of how some people had flown to Hong Kong to have thanksgiving day dinner with their naval relatives. Since the ship was not able to make port, these people were unable to celebrate thanksgiving with their relatives.

I would have thought that a big boat like an aircraft carrier would know where it could dock and where it couldn't. I would have assumed that docking plans were made before the ship left port.

This report just came over the wire: China: Navy spat not a misunderstanding.

A White House spokeswoman said she was surprised by the explanation.

"That was not the president's understanding from the meeting he had yesterday (with Yang). We are seeking clarification," press secretary Dana Perino said.

"The president was told was there was a miscommunication that could lead to a misunderstanding. I was told there was a misunderstanding. ... The linkage was not made (with the Dalai Lama)," she said.

Who told the president there was a miscommunication? Who told the spokeswoman there was a misunderstanding? Remember the fuss over the Scott McClellan quote? This is deja vu all over again.