Published: 11:51, July 7, 2025 | Updated: 12:10, July 7, 2025
Harbor salute as Shandong departs
By Wang Zhan
Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki delivers a speech during the farewell ceremony at the Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks of the Shandong aircraft carrier and its escort ships in Hong Kong on July 7, 2025. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG - The aircraft carrier Shandong and its escort ships departed Hong Kong on Monday following a five-day port call.

A farewell ceremony was held at Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks, attended by Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki, student representatives, and PLA officials.

The visit, which began on July 3, marked the carrier’s second call to Hong Kong. During the stay, the fleet held public tours and conducted exchanges with local groups, including youth and community representatives.

Crowds gathered at South Horizons to watch the departure, waving flags as the vessels sailed out of Victoria Harbour. The visit coincided with the 28th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

China Daily's Edmond Tang, Adam Lam and Andy Chong took the photos on Monday.

Residents wave flags to bid farewell the aircraft carrier Shandong of the Chinese People's Liberation Army at South Horizons in Hong Kong on July 7, 2025.(ADAM LAM / CHINA DAILY)
Crowds at Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront wave goodbye as the PLA Navy’s Type 054A frigate Yuncheng (571) and Type 052D destroyer Zhanjiang (165) sail through Victoria Harbour, while the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong (17) and its strike group depart Hong Kong waters after a five-day visit on July 7, 2025. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)