Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong boosts patriotism in Hong Kong

China's first domestically built aircraft carrier Shandong sailed into Hong Kong for a port call on Thursday, July 3, 2025. The Shandong arrived in Hong Kong alongside another vessel from its battle group early in the morning. Two destroyers and a frigate accompanied the aircraft carrier, and these warships will be open for public visits over the weekend.

All 10,000 available tickets for visits have already been claimed by eager residents. The arrival of the carrier coincides with the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to Chinese rule after British colonial rule. The Shandong is China's second aircraft carrier and the first to be fully self-built, carrying 24 Shenyang J-10 fighters and weighing 70,000 tons fully loaded.

China has intensified its patriotism campaign in Hong Kong following the suppression of anti-government protests in 2019. The city enjoys semi-autonomy and civil liberties, but its government has no authority over military and foreign affairs, which are managed by Chinese military officers and forces stationed in the city.

In April, the Shandong conducted training exercises in the eastern sea area and airspace of Taiwan, a self-ruled island claimed by Beijing. China has increased the frequency and scale of military exercises near Taiwan in recent years. The Liaoning, China's first carrier, and the Shandong conducted joint exercises in the Pacific, demonstrating a new level of assertiveness.

The Liaoning visited Hong Kong in 2017, and another carrier is undergoing sea trials while a fourth is under construction.

According to the source: Manila Bulletin.