PLA Navy Aircraft Carrier Shandong Visits Hong Kong for Public Tour

The Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy fleet, led by the domestically produced aircraft carrier Shandong, arrived in Hong Kong on July 3, 2025, for a five-day visit marking the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China. The fleet, including the 055-type destroyer Yan’an, the 052D-type destroyer Zhanjiang, and the 054A-type frigate Yuncheng, will host open tours and cultural exchange activities to provide locals with a deeper understanding of China's modern national defense capabilities. The Shandong, measuring over 300 meters with a displacement exceeding 60,000 tonnes, is China's first fully domestically designed and built aircraft carrier and the first to visit Hong Kong since the Liaoning in 2017. The visit prompted the Civil Aviation Department to implement temporary flight restrictions to ensure safety. Since 1997, PLA Navy vessels have visited Hong Kong eight times, with the most recent visits in 2024. This visit highlights China's ongoing efforts to showcase its military advancements and strengthen ties with Hong Kong residents.