Visitors and Hong Kong residents on Monday bid farewell to the fleet led by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy aircraft carrier Shandong, the nation’s first domestically built aircraft carrier, after a five-day port call to the special administrative region.
Crowds flocked to South Horizons and Tsim Sha Tsui, as well as several of the city's other harborfronts, to admire the departing warships, with many people waving national flags as the fleet sailed through Victoria Harbour and past Lamma Island.
A farewell ceremony was held at Ngong Shuen Chau.
Hong Kong Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki said the fleet’s visit reflects the profound care and unwavering support of the nation for Hong Kong.
He added that this visit has offered Hong Kong residents a precious opportunity to see the nation's first domestically built aircraft carrier and experience its formidable military strength and technological advancements up close, which will bolster national confidence and foster profound patriotic pride.
Coinciding with the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China, and 28 years of the PLA’s presence in the city, the event signified a celebration of HKSAR’s reunification with the motherland.
Members of the fleet on Monday expressed their gratitude to the Hong Kong government for the comprehensive protection and security provided to them during the past several days. “We wish prosperity for our country, and hope for a brighter future for Hong Kong,” the members said.
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Waving a national flag in the scorching heat, elderly Hong Kong resident Cheung Lai-luk followed the Shandong warship as it sailed past the Ap Lei Chau waterfront.
On Sunday, Cheung boarded the Zhanjiang missile destroyer and Yuncheng frigate — part of the navy fleet — and could see the Shandong from a distance. The one-day experience was not enough for her. She decided to wear her souvenir cap from the previous day to bid farewell to the fleet at the Ap Lei Chau waterfront.
“This is a truly rare opportunity. Our nation treats Hong Kong so well, attaching such great importance to Hong Kong people,” Cheung said, visibly moved. “Seeing the Shandong’s immense size compared to other vessels, we can witness the nation’s strength and prosperity. We are indeed the most fortunate generation.”
Jamie Poon, a 9-year-old primary five school student, had his long-held dream fulfilled on Monday seeing the carrier passing by the harbor.
“Very excited! It was one of my dreams to see it, and now I’ve accomplished that,” said Poon, gazing at the massive carrier. “Its large size is so amazing. You must see it.”
Upon learning of the Shandong’s departure route near their home at South Horizons, Poon’s mother Michelle Wong woke him up and rushed him downstairs to catch a glimpse of the warship.
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Poon, who had missed out on the public tours over the weekend, expressed his excitement at the unexpected chance to see the ship. He was deeply impressed by the awe-inspiring scale of the vessel and its aircraft, showcasing national strength.
Kane Lu, who works in the automobile industry, was also waiting at Ap Lei Chau harborfront on Monday morning to see the Shandong off.
He brought a camera with a long-focus lens to capture high-quality images, and remarked on the rarity of being able to see the fleet from a public space.
“I remember our admiral having to stand on tiptoes to see a US carrier. Now, we have our own aircraft carrier to defend our nation. We no longer need to envy others,” said Lu. Expressing his aspirations for the future, he said, “May China’s nuclear-powered carrier be completed soon. I wish the Chinese Navy ever-greater strength to protect our territory.”
Also hailing from Guangzhou, Chen Junwen, a 22-year-old undergraduate student and military enthusiast from Guangzhou, had meticulously planned his journey so that he would arrive at the checkpoint at 6 am and the harborfront in time to see the carrier off.
“I wanted to see it for myself, to leave a more authentic memory,” he said.
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During the visit, the fleet arranged a series of activities, including a reception on the deck, ship tours, lectures on national defense, and cultural and sports exchanges.
Having started on Thursday, the five-day stay attracted over 30,000 Hong Kong residents to visit and interact with naval officials and sailors. The flotilla comprises the Shandong and its escort ships, the guided missile destroyers Yan'an and Zhanjiang, and the guided missile frigate Yuncheng.
The event makes Hong Kong the first city in the country to have hosted two active national aircraft carriers, the other being a visit by the aircraft carrier CNS Liaoning in 2017.
Huang Yawen contributed to the story.
