Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong docks in Hong Kong to promote patriotism
- The Shandong, China's first domestically-built aircraft carrier, entered Victoria Harbour escorted by guided missile destroyers and a frigate.
- The visit coincided with the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China and aims to boost national pride.
- The arrival reflects the government's ongoing efforts to promote patriotism and emphasizes military modernization amid recent political tensions.
On July 3, 2025, China’s first domestically-built aircraft carrier, the Shandong, entered Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong, signaling a significant event in the context of China's expanding military capabilities. The Shandong was accompanied by a task force, including guided missile destroyers Yan'an and Zhanijiang, along with a guided missile frigate, Yuncheng. This arrival coincides with the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to Chinese sovereignty and indicative of the government's efforts to reinforce national pride in the region following the crackdown on pro-democracy protests in 2019. The warships' docking was met with a ceremonial welcome organized by Hong Kong’s government, emphasizing the themes of national defense and development. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu asserted that the fleet's arrival symbolized the strong foundations of national security and its importance in maintaining stability and prosperity in Hong Kong. Lee noted the immense effort and sacrifices that have been made in achieving this stability, positioning the military presence as a reminder of the comprehensive modernization of China’s naval forces. The visiting ships were scheduled to be open to the public for tours from July 4 to 6, with all 10,000 tickets swiftly claimed by eager residents. The Shandong alone had been allocated 2,000 tickets, demonstrating the public interest in witnessing the country's military assets firsthand. This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the Chinese government to foster patriotism in Hong Kong amidst a backdrop of recent struggles for civil liberties and social dissent, illustrating how military showcases serve political purposes in the city's unique administrative context. In recent years, military exercises in the South China Sea and near Taiwan have heightened regional tensions, with the Shandong playing a critical role in these demonstrations of force. As the aircraft carrier joins the ranks of China's growing naval fleet, its arrival is not just a display of military prowess but also a calculated effort to instill a sense of national identity and unity among Hong Kong residents in an era characterized by political upheaval and uncertainty.