China's aircraft carrier Shandong, currently on a visit to Hong Kong, invited a group of teenage students aboard for a guided tour and an exchange event on Friday.
Named after Shandong Province, the aircraft carrier is China's second aircraft carrier following the Liaoning, and the country's first domestically built aircraft carrier.
Many students said the tour filled them with excitement and pride.
"I'm very proud, because I saw its gigantic size when I stepped on the deck, and the weapons on display are highly advanced," a student said.
"I feel very proud and honored because this is an aircraft carrier independently built by our country," said another student.
"Our country has very powerful military equipment, from which I can feel the strength of our country," said another student.
The Shandong and its three escort ships arrived in Hong Kong for a five-day visit on Thursday.
"For this visit, our fleet has planned a series of open tour events and cultural exchange activities, mainly to show our compatriots in Hong Kong our country's achievements in national defense and military development, particularly the navy's development, to reinforce their sense of identity and sense of pride as members of the Chinese nation," said Colonel Lu Lun on the aircraft carrier.
Since Hong Kong's return to the motherland in 1997, vessels of the People's Liberation Army Navy have paid eight visits to the city in various forms. The first visit occurred in 2002, while the two most recent took place in 2024.
This is the second visit of an aircraft carrier fleet to Hong Kong, with the first taking place in July 2017 led by the Liaoning.
The Shandong's escort ships are the Type 055 10,000 ton-class guided-missile destroyer Yan'an, the Type 052D guided-missile destroyer Zhanjiang and Type 054A guided-missile frigate Yuncheng. All three ships are fully domestically developed by China.
Teenage students enjoy guided tour of aircraft carrier Shandong in Hong Kong
Teenage students enjoy guided tour of aircraft carrier Shandong in Hong Kong
