Chinese naval fleet attracts nearly 20,000 visitors during open event in Hong Kong

Nearly 20,000 visitors have toured a Chinese naval fleet, led by China's first domestically built aircraft carrier Shandong, during the first two days of its open event in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The aircraft carrier, leading a formation of three other vessels, entered the Victoria Harbour on Thursday morning, beginning a five-day visit to Hong Kong.

On Saturday, the naval fleet opened to the whole Hong Kong public, drawing constant streams of visitors eager to tour the massive warships.

Across the open exhibition areas aboard the aircraft carrier and accompanying vessels, professional guides deliver detailed introduction to visitors. The naval officers and sailors also prepared specially designed interactive and creative activities to enhance the public experience.

Inside the Shandong aircraft carrier's hangar, visitors were drawn to a display of advanced firearms, excited to have the rare opportunity for a close-up glimpse of these cutting-edge weapons.

"Seeing it myself is truly rewarding. I knew the Shandong aircraft carrier is huge, but I had no idea just how massive it really is. Being here now gives me that concrete sense of scale. It's incredible," said a visitor.

"For Hong Kong citizens, such a visit is truly thrilling because tickets were so hard to get. It makes us feel the strength of our nation," said another visitor.

From Friday to Sunday, the aircraft carrier Shandong is anchored at Victoria Harbour’s western basin, while the missile destroyer Zhanjiang and frigate Yuncheng are docked at Ngong Shuen Chau Naval Base, open to the public for tours, military experience activities, and national defense education lectures.

"It's truly thrilling to see our nation's most advanced military assets in person -- only then do I fully appreciate their awe-inspiring scale. I am so proud of our country. With such capabilities, we will no longer fear a bully," said a young student.

"I'm in the 80s and glad to have this chance to see the naval fleet in person. I need to witness China's greatness firsthand. Our nation builds these warships. Seeing China grow stronger every day truly makes me proud to be a Chinese," said another Hong Kong resident.

This is the first public opening of the Shandong. When the massive aircraft carrier slowly entered Victoria Harbour on Thursday, more than 700 officers and sailors posed the four Chinese characters for "secure country, sweet home" on its flight deck.

"Over the years, our aircraft carrier fleet has expanded its operations further into distant waters, while steadily enhancing combat readiness. This visit to Hong Kong and the interactions with local residents have deepened my sense of responsibility and purpose. Only a strong military can safeguard our nation, and only a secure nation can protect our homes. We have the confidence and capability to defend our maritime borders and ensure our country's security and stability," said Zheng Ziqian, a crew member of the Shandong.

Chinese naval fleet attracts nearly 20,000 visitors during open event in Hong Kong

Nicaragua's co-foreign minister Valdrack Jaentschke has warned that militarism must never be allowed to rise again, as Japan's recent moves to lift its arms export ban and revise the pacifist Constitution continue to draw international concern.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Tokyo Trials, where Japan's Class-A war criminals from World War II were brought to justice.

In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Valdrack Jaentschke voiced his concern that today's world order is being undermined by interventionism and other challenges.

"It is necessary for us to remember that after the end of World War II, countries worked hard to build a new international order based on international law. However, regrettably, more than 80 years later, we are seeing that this once explored and attempted order is being challenged by interventionism, a confrontational mindset, and tendencies like 'might makes right.' These are precisely the conditions that gave rise to fascism and militarism in the past, which ultimately led to the tragedy of World War II," he said.

He said the international community has a responsibility to pursue a new international order -- one fundamentally grounded in peace.

"Looking back at the history more than eight decades ago and comparing it with today's reality, it is our responsibility to recognize that the world should, and must, build a new international order that is more just, fairer, rooted in international law, based on a logic of mutual benefit and shared success, and fundamentally grounded in peace," said the minister.

"Today, as we revisit the Tokyo Trials, it is meant to remind the world that such a tragedy must never be repeated -- and that we must do everything in our power to prevent it from happening again. We must stop that dark world -- born from militarism, interventionism, and fascism -- from ever returning," he said.

Nicaraguan FM warns of militarism revival