China's domestically built aircraft carrier Shandong and its accompanying strike group are demonstrating the nation's comprehensive strength, said military expert Cao Weidong during the fleet's five-day visit to Hong Kong, which began on Thursday.
The fleet also includes the Yan'an and Zhanjiang missile destroyers and the Yuncheng missile frigate. From Friday to Sunday, it will host public tours, lectures, live drills, and other exchange activities. Hong Kong residents who registered for on-board visits will have the rare opportunity to observe domestically developed fighter jets and helicopters up close on the carrier’s expansive flight deck.
"Visiting the Shandong aircraft carrier provides insight into China's capability to build large-scale vessels. Secondly, the carrier's combat effectiveness relies on its air wing, particularly fixed-wing early warning aircraft and fixed-wing fighter jets like the Flying Shark, which form its primary strike capability. Since modern warfare is information-based, advanced electronic devices including phased array radars and other communication equipment showcase the nation's electronic warfare capabilities. Additionally, large-caliber naval guns, such as 130mm or 100mm rapid-fire cannons, reflect the country's mechanical engineering prowess. Furthermore, the missiles - all featuring vertical launch technology - include anti-air, anti-ship, and anti-submarine variants, demonstrating precision strike capabilities and long-range firepower, and advancements in weaponry and propulsion systems," said Cao.
Cao noted that the carrier strike group is a testament to a nation's comprehensive power and the maturity of its defense industry.
"Shipbuilding, aviation, aerospace, ordnance, and electronics - all these industries must be fully developed. Without excellence in any one of these fields, it would be impossible to build an aircraft carrier, let alone assemble a full carrier strike group," he said.
China's naval fleet led by homegrown aircraft carrier showcases national strength: expert
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
