Shandong Aircraft Carrier Fleet Visits Hong Kong for Five Days, Open to Public This Weekend
Shandong Aircraft Carrier Fleet Visits Hong Kong for Five Days, Open to Public This Weekend

The Chinese Navy’s Shandong aircraft carrier fleet began a five-day visit to Hong Kong yesterday, with public visits scheduled for the weekend. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government held a welcome ceremony at Ngong Shuen Chau Naval Base, where Chief Executive John Lee stated that the fleet’s visit symbolizes national defense safeguarding high-quality development and enhances citizens’ sense of national pride. When the Shandong fleet entered Hong Kong waters yesterday morning, over a dozen carrier-based fighter jets were arrayed on the deck, and approximately 700 sailors formed the Chinese characters “國安家好” (National Security, Prosperous Home) on the deck. Fleet officer Colonel Wu Kang explained that this gesture conveys a deep “patriotic and Hong Kong-loving” blessing and good wishes for Hong Kong compatriots.
The visiting fleet is led by the Shandong, China’s first fully domestically designed and built conventional-powered aircraft carrier, accompanied by the missile destroyers Yanan and Zhanjiang, and the missile frigate Yuncheng, all of which are active main combat vessels of the Chinese Navy. The Shandong’s flight deck, the largest among them, spans an area equivalent to two standard football fields, stands about 20 stories tall, and contains over 3,000 compartments, with a standard displacement exceeding 60,000 tons. It can carry dozens of carrier-based fighter jets and various helicopters. The fleet entered Hong Kong waters from the southeast around 6 a.m. yesterday, greeted by a water salute from Hong Kong’s fireboats. During its stay, the fleet will be open to public visits, with the Shandong anchored in Victoria Harbour on Saturday and Sunday, while the Zhanjiang and Yuncheng will be docked at Ngong Shuen Chau Naval Base.
At the welcome ceremony, Chief Executive John Lee, on behalf of the SAR government and Hong Kong citizens, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the nation’s care and support, warmly welcoming the fleet’s personnel. Lee noted that this year marks the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, the 28th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army’s garrison in Hong Kong, and the 5th anniversary of the Hong Kong National Security Law’s implementation. The fleet’s visit at this historic moment is particularly inspiring. He emphasized that the visit represents national defense safeguarding high-quality development and underscores the impregnable strength of national security. The fleet’s technological advancements highlight China’s breakthroughs in cutting-edge technology, with modern defense and military capabilities protecting territorial waters, contributing significantly to national trade and maritime development, and safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests.
Lee further stated that the visit allows citizens to experience national defense education firsthand, fostering a sense of patriotism. Marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan, the fleet’s visit reminds everyone that today’s national stability and prosperity were hard-won, urging the inheritance of the Chinese nation’s resilient spirit. Citizens can closely witness the navy’s valor, experience the military’s professionalism, dedication, and selfless service, thereby strengthening their sense of national pride.
Fleet officer Colonel Wu Kang shared that seeing Victoria Harbour’s vibrant scenery and the welcoming crowd at the dock felt exciting and heartwarming. He described the fleet as “fully equipped, highly capable, and visually impressive,” a formidable maritime force for navigating vast oceans. He highlighted that the Shandong’s deck displayed 12 neatly arranged carrier-based aircraft, with over 700 sailors forming the words “National Security, Prosperous Home,” expressing patriotic and Hong Kong-loving blessings and good wishes for Hong Kong compatriots.