The Shandong aircraft carrier strike group made a grand entrance into Hong Kong waters Thursday morning, marking the start of a five-day visit. A striking sight greeted onlookers as over 700 naval officers, dressed in crisp white uniforms, stood in formation on the Shandong’s flight deck to spell out the Chinese characters "Security Brings Prosperity.”
The fleet, consisting of the aircraft carrier Shandong, missile destroyers Yan’an and Zhanjiang, and missile frigate Yuncheng, sailed in formation into Victoria Harbour at around 8am.
The fleet was escorted by Hong Kong government vessels, PLA Hong Kong Garrison ships, and helicopters. Fireboats also welcomed the fleet with a traditional water salute.
The carrier’s deck was lined with J-15 fighter jets and multiple helicopters, showcasing China’s naval prowess.
The Shandong and Yan’an will anchor at the western anchorage of Victoria Harbour, while the Zhanjiang and Yuncheng will dock at the Stonecutters Island Naval Base.
A welcoming ceremony was held at the base this morning, where Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu expressed his enthusiasm for the fleet’s visit.
He said this year marks the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China, the 28th year of the PLA’s presence in the city, and the fifth anniversary of the Hong Kong National Security Law.
"This visit symbolizes how national defense safeguards high-quality development and ensures the nation’s security remains unshakable," Lee said.
Following the ceremony, senior officials from the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, central government agencies in Hong Kong, the Southern Theater Command, and the PLA Hong Kong Garrison boarded the Zhanjiang and Yuncheng for a tour.
Transport adjustments for fleet visit
In preparation for the naval fleet’s arrival, nine outlying island ferry routes were temporarily suspended from 7.20am to 9.50am, affecting services between Central and destinations such as Cheung Chau, Mui Wo, Peng Chau, Sok Kwu Wan, and Discovery Bay.
Before the 7am mark this morning, additional free shuttle ferry services were provided between Cheung Chau, Peng Chau, and Discovery Bay, while bus services to Mui Wo and Ma Wan were reinforced. The MTR also increased train frequencies on the Tung Chung and Tuen Ma lines to accommodate commuters.
At the Tsuen Wan ferry pier, volunteers from the district care team assisted passengers with updated travel information.
Some residents, like a Discovery Bay commuter who works in Central, had to leave an hour earlier due to the disruptions. Others, such as a resident from Sea Ranch on Lantau Island, only learned of the route changes upon arrival at Cheung Chau Pier but reported that clear signage minimized inconvenience.
(Marco Lam)
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