The arrival of the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong, which represents “rock-solid” national security defence and high-quality development, would allow residents to witness first-hand the advancement of the mainland’s modernised military vessels, boosting national pride, Hong Kong’s leader has said.

Speaking aboard the Shandong at a welcoming ceremony for the 70,000-tonne vessel and its accompanying strike group entering Hong Kong waters on Thursday morning, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the fleet’s visit was “particularly inspiring” at the “historic moment” marking the 28th anniversary of the city’s handover and the fifth anniversary of the Beijing-imposed national security law.

“This visit represents national defence and security safeguarding high-quality development, demonstrating that national security is rock-solid,” he said.

Lee highlighted that the Shandong, commissioned in 2019, is the mainland’s first independently designed, built, and equipped aircraft carrier, marking the Chinese Navy’s official entry into a new era at the forefront of global naval power.

He emphasised that the visit would provide Hong Kong residents with first-hand national defence education, fostering a strong sense of national identity.

“This visit by the Shandong fleet will allow Hong Kong residents to personally experience the magnificence and advanced nature of the nation’s modern naval vessels and gain a deeper understanding of the achievements of national defence modernisation,” he said.