By Lo Hoi-ying
The visit of the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong, which represents “rock-solid” national security and high-quality development, allows residents to witness first-hand the advancement of the country’s military vessels, boosting pride in the nation, Hong Kong’s leader has said.
Speaking aboard the Shandong at a welcoming ceremony for the 70,000-tonne vessel and its accompanying strike group on Thursday morning, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the visit was “particularly inspiring” at the “historic moment” marking the 28th anniversary of the city’s return to Chinese sovereignty and the fifth anniversary of the Beijing-imposed national security law.
“This visit represents national defence and security safeguarding high-quality development, demonstrating that national security is rock-solid,” he said.
Lee noted that the Shandong, commissioned in 2019, was China’s first independently designed, built and equipped aircraft carrier, marking the navy’s official entry into a new era at the forefront of global naval power.
He emphasised that the visit would provide Hong Kong residents with first-hand national defence education, fostering a strong sense of national identity.
“This visit by the Shandong fleet will allow Hong Kong residents to personally experience the magnificence and advanced nature of the nation’s modern naval vessels and gain a deeper understanding of the achievements of national defence modernisation,” he said.
Lee added that the fleet’s visit served as a reminder to Hongkongers that the country’s stability and prosperity “has not come easily”. He urged Hong Kong to contribute to building a strong nation under the “one country, two systems” principle.
The Shandong will be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday while anchored to the west of Victoria Harbour. Visitors will be able to explore designated areas, view fighter jets and helicopters, and observe training displays.
The guided-missile destroyer Zhanjiang and guided-missile frigate Yuncheng will also be accessible for public visits at the Stonecutters Island naval base over the weekend.
Lee pointed to the immense public interest, noting that the 10,000 tickets to board the ships were snapped up within around one minute of becoming available.
The Shandong, spotted near Lamma Island at 7.17am on Thursday before anchoring off the west of Victoria Harbour, is the first Chinese carrier to call at Hong Kong since the Liaoning visited in July 2017 to mark the 20th anniversary of the handover. The other warships docked at Stonecutters Island pier.
A pair of PLA helicopters circled above the fleet as a Hong Kong fireboat sprayed water in a welcoming display.
Ten fighter jets were spotted on the Shandong’s deck, with navy personnel in white suits neatly arranged to form the Chinese characters for “with national security, our homes are safe”.
To accommodate the fleet’s entry into Hong Kong waters, ferry services for nine of Hong Kong’s outlying islands were suspended. Commuters were offered free alternative ferry services, including travel to Tsuen Wan Ferry Pier, with operators promising to strengthen their services before 7.30am for individual routes.
Local military enthusiasts rose early and camped out at vantage points in the south of the city to await the fleet’s arrival. Fans from across the border also travelled to Hong Kong to catch a glimpse of the fleet.
With tickets for ship visits gone quickly, various “strategies” are being circulated to see the vessels up close.
According to popular social media platform RedNote, at least 10 sightseeing points and recommended routes offer viewing opportunities for those hoping to catch a glimpse of the Shandong.
Sightseeing points include the West Kowloon Cultural District, Peng Chau, Kennedy Town, Tsing Yi, Disneyland pier, Central piers, Ma Wan, and Stonecutters Bridge.
Recommended ferry routes include Central to Discovery Bay, Discovery Bay to Peng Chau, and Central to Peng Chau.
Resident Chan Hon-por, 67, said he planned to take different ferry routes on Friday.
“I have the HK$2 (25 US cents) discount for rides, so I can see from all the different angles,” he said, expressing disappointment that the warships passed far from the coast.
“Some of my friends have tickets. I know some who didn’t have rented boats to get a closer look at the vessel.”
Sightseeing cruise operator Oriental Pearl has also capitalised on the opportunity, offering a special hour-long ride on its Hong Kong Water Taxi, sailing from the East Tsim Sha Tsui pier.
The hour-long trip, costing HK$180 for adults, will run from 1.50pm from Thursday to Sunday, taking passengers around Victoria Harbour and circling the fleet.
Additional reporting by Joshua Kwok