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Shandong, China’s first aircraft carrier, got drunk in Hong Kong on Thursday, days after the territory celebrated the 28th anniversary of the extradition from Britain to China’s sovereignty as part of a campaign to boost Beijing’s patriotism.
According to Chinese state media, Shanghai was escorted by a ship from a strike group and entered Hong Kong’s waters early in the morning, accompanied by two destroyers and a frigate. The warship will be open to the public over the weekend.
Local media reported that residents have already purchased all 10,000 tickets for the public tour.
Of these, 2,000 were assigned for visits aboard Chandon, while the rest were assigned for accompanying destroyers and frigates.
The visit will intensify Beijing’s efforts to cultivate national pride in Hong Kong, particularly following the widespread anti-government protests in 2019. Since then, many democratic activists have been jailed for wiping out national security laws.
Hong Kong holds a semi-autonomous position and enjoys civil liberties that are not found in mainland China’s cities, but its military and diplomacy are under Beijing’s control. The People’s Liberation Army maintains land, sea and air force garrisons within the city.
Shandong is China’s second aircraft carrier, first fully built for home use. It is smaller than its US counterpart, with a full load of 70,000 tons and carrying 24 Shenyan J-10 fighter jets.
In April, Career was dispatched to a movement in the eastern ocean and airspace surrounding Taiwan, the autonomous island China claims itself.
A month later, Shandong and China’s first airline, Liaoning, conducted joint drills in the Pacific, across the so-called First Island chain, on a show of increasing naval ambitions.
Riaon, a vessel purchased and renovated from Ukraine, last visited Hong Kong in 2017.
The third carrier with the flat deck design is currently undergoing marine testing, while the fourth is under construction.
Additional sources •AP
