The Shandong’s arrival closely follows a high-profile military operation involving both of China’s aircraft carriers, Shandong and Liaoning, in the Pacific Ocean. Taiwanese and Japanese officials said the joint exercise pointed to Beijing’s growing naval ambitions beyond its borders.

Stretching 315 meters and weighing 70,000 tonnes, the Shandong was anchored at Victoria Harbour, displaying J-15 fighter jets and Z-18 helicopters on its deck—underscoring China’s naval modernization.

Crowds Welcome PLA Navy’s Power

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee welcomed the Chinese strike group, noting that thousands of free public tickets had been swiftly taken. Spectators gathered along the shore with binoculars and cameras. One visitor from Guangdong, Richard Yip, remarked, “To see this kind of development, where within 20 to 40 years it has progressed to the current level, is very impressive.”

U.S. Navy Absence Highlights Shifting Landscape

Historically a frequent destination for U.S. Navy port visits, Hong Kong has not hosted American warships in recent years due to deteriorating U.S.-China relations. The last U.S. carrier to dock was the USS Ronald Reagan in 2018. Since then, Beijing has blocked such visits, underscoring the shift in regional power dynamics.