Many Hong Kong residents were filled with national pride for their motherland, hailing its naval advancements and national strength while touring China's aircraft carrier Shandong during its five-day visit of the special administrative region.
From Friday to Saturday, nearly 20,000 visitors have toured the Chinese naval fleet, led by the nation's first domestically built aircraft carrier Shandong, during its public open event in Hong Kong.
The aircraft carrier, leading a formation of three other vessels, entered the Victoria Harbor on Thursday morning, beginning a five-day visit to the city.
The massive aircraft carrier Shandong has drawn constant streams of Hong Kong residents eager to witness this military marvel firsthand, which also inspires deep national pride.
"I'm so excited to be here today. It shows all the youth in Hong Kong the development of our motherland, greatly inspiring our new generation as future torchbearers of our nation. Our nation is now strong and people live in peace, which allows us to join the high-quality development in a better way. When the country is secure, our homes can thrive," said a Hong Kong resident.
"I'm thrilled! This is the fifth year since Hong Kong's national security laws took effect. On this occasion, the arrival of the Shandong aircraft carrier offered us an incredible opportunity. It makes us feel our nation's greatness," said a Kong Hong youth.
"After seeing this, I'm so excited. It enabled us to see our national strength, especially its military power. We're definitely the best, and I'm so thrilled about it," said another Kong Hong resident.
This is the first public opening of the aircraft carrier Shandong. When the massive aircraft carrier slowly entered Victoria Harbor on Thursday, more than 700 officers and sailors posed the four Chinese characters for "secure country, sweet home" on its flight deck.
In addition, naval members on board sang patriotic songs with visiting Hong Kong residents, expressing their pride and love for the motherland.
"I was so moved, especially when our People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy soldiers sang patriotic songs with us, waving flags together on the deck. I’m truly thankful for everything they've done to protect our country. It was really touching," a Hong Kong resident shared his view.
"Stepping aboard the Shandong aircraft carrier, China's domestically built aircraft carrier, naturally filled me with pride. This very harbor, where China endured the Opium War in 1840 and the cession of Hong Kong under the Treaty of Nanjing, marks the beginning of our nation's modern history of humiliation. Yet today, as aircraft carrier Shandong is docked at our home port, we witness the start of Chinese Dream of rejuvenation. With our navy and air force growing stronger in every way, I’m confident Hong Kong will become even more stable and secure. When our country is strong, our homes can thrive," said another Hong Kong resident.
Chinese naval fleet visit fills Hong Kong residents with pride for motherland
