On July 3, the People's Liberation Army's first domestically built aircraft carrier, the CNS Shandong, made a memorable entrance into the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. A majestic water salute from Victoria Harbour's tugboats marked the 28th anniversary of their return to China, painting the skyline with soaring arcs of water.
The arrival of CNS Shandong cements Hong Kong's unique place in naval history: it is now the only city to have welcomed two serving Chinese aircraft carriers. The first, CNS Liaoning, visited in 2017, drawing crowds of onlookers and naval enthusiasts across G20 nations.
For young global citizens and business and tech enthusiasts, the visit offers a real-time glimpse of the Chinese mainland's growing maritime capabilities. Analysts see this as part of a broader wave of innovation and strategic investment in naval engineering and regional security.
Residents of Hong Kong and digital nomads alike were quick to share stunning photos and videos online, sparking conversations about the intersection of culture, technology, and security. As harbour lights reflect off the carrier's deck, the event reminds us of the shared waters that connect economies, spark debates on sovereignty, and inspire travelers to explore beyond borders.
Whether you're a thought leader tracking sustainability in naval operations or a sports and entertainment fan capturing the spectacle on camera, CNS Shandong's visit adds a new chapter to Hong Kong's ever-evolving story.
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PLA carrier CNS Shandong receives grand water salute in Hong Kong
cgtn.com
