A fireboat of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government performs a water gate ceremony for the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy fleet in Hong Kong, south China, July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived here on Thursday morning. (Photo by Jia Xiaopeng/Xinhua)

HONG KONG, July 3 (Xinhua) -- A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit.

At around 8 a.m., the fleet comprising the Shandong and three other vessels entered the Victoria Harbor. More than 700 officers and soldiers spelled out Chinese characters "secure country, sweet home" on the Shandong's flight deck.

The aircraft carrier and the Yan'an missile destroyer were anchored near the west end of the Victoria Harbor, while the Zhanjiang missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base in Stonecutters Island.

At around 10 a.m., HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee welcomed the Shandong aircraft carrier formation at a ceremony held at the Stonecutters Island Naval Base.

This is the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. ■

Soldiers line up on the deck of Zhanjiang missile destroyer during its visit to Hong Kong, south China, on July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived here on Thursday morning. (Photo by Li Tang/Xinhua)

This photo shows the aircraft carrier Shandong sailing in Hong Kong waters, south China, July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Thursday morning. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

Soldiers line up on the deck of Zhanjiang missile destroyer during its visit to Hong Kong, south China, on July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived here on Thursday morning. (Photo by Feng Li/Xinhua)

This photo shows the aircraft carrier Shandong sailing in Hong Kong waters, south China, July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Thursday morning. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

This photo shows the aircraft carrier Shandong sailing in Hong Kong waters, south China, July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Thursday morning. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

This photo shows the aircraft carrier Shandong sailing in Hong Kong waters, south China, July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Thursday morning. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

A fireboat of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government performs a water gate ceremony for the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy fleet in Hong Kong, south China, July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived here on Thursday morning. (Xinhua/Li Yun)

This photo shows the aircraft carrier Shandong sailing in Hong Kong waters, south China, July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit.

The aircraft carrier and the Yan'an missile destroyer were anchored near the west end of the Victoria Harbor, while the Zhanjiang missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base in Stonecutters Island.

This is the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

This photo shows the aircraft carrier Shandong sailing in Hong Kong waters, south China, July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit.

The aircraft carrier and the Yan'an missile destroyer were anchored near the west end of the Victoria Harbor, while the Zhanjiang missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base in Stonecutters Island.

This is the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

This photo shows the aircraft carrier Shandong sailing in Hong Kong waters, south China, July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit.

The aircraft carrier and the Yan'an missile destroyer were anchored near the west end of the Victoria Harbor, while the Zhanjiang missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base in Stonecutters Island.

This is the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

This photo shows the aircraft carrier Shandong sailing in Hong Kong waters, south China, July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit.

The aircraft carrier and the Yan'an missile destroyer were anchored near the west end of the Victoria Harbor, while the Zhanjiang missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base in Stonecutters Island.

This is the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

A drone photo shows officers and soldiers spelling out Chinese characters "secure country, sweet home" on aircraft carrier Shandong's flight deck in Hong Kong waters, south China, July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit.

The aircraft carrier and the Yan'an missile destroyer were anchored near the west end of the Victoria Harbor, while the Zhanjiang missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base in Stonecutters Island.

This is the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Photo by Pu Haiyang/Xinhua)

This photo shows the aircraft carrier Shandong sailing in Hong Kong waters, south China, July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit.

The aircraft carrier and the Yan'an missile destroyer were anchored near the west end of the Victoria Harbor, while the Zhanjiang missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base in Stonecutters Island.

This is the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

A drone photo shows officers and soldiers spelling out Chinese characters "secure country, sweet home" on aircraft carrier Shandong's flight deck in Hong Kong waters, south China, July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit.

The aircraft carrier and the Yan'an missile destroyer were anchored near the west end of the Victoria Harbor, while the Zhanjiang missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base in Stonecutters Island.

This is the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Photo by Pu Haiyang/Xinhua)

People take photos as the aircraft carrier Shandong arrives in Hong Kong waters, south China, July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit.

The aircraft carrier and the Yan'an missile destroyer were anchored near the west end of the Victoria Harbor, while the Zhanjiang missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base in Stonecutters Island.

This is the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

This photo shows the Yuncheng missile frigate (R) and the Zhanjiang missile destroyer sailing in Hong Kong waters, south China, July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit.

The aircraft carrier and the Yan'an missile destroyer were anchored near the west end of the Victoria Harbor, while the Zhanjiang missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base in Stonecutters Island.

This is the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

This photo shows the Yuncheng missile frigate sailing in Hong Kong waters, south China, July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit.

The aircraft carrier and the Yan'an missile destroyer were anchored near the west end of the Victoria Harbor, while the Zhanjiang missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base in Stonecutters Island.

This is the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

People watch as the aircraft carrier Shandong arrives in Hong Kong waters, south China, July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit.

The aircraft carrier and the Yan'an missile destroyer were anchored near the west end of the Victoria Harbor, while the Zhanjiang missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base in Stonecutters Island.

This is the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

This photo shows the Zhanjiang missile destroyer sailing in Hong Kong waters, south China, July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit.

The aircraft carrier and the Yan'an missile destroyer were anchored near the west end of the Victoria Harbor, while the Zhanjiang missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base in Stonecutters Island.

This is the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

A Hong Kong citizen poses for photos while visiting the Zhanjiang missile destroyer in Hong Kong, south China, July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit.

The aircraft carrier and the Yan'an missile destroyer were anchored near the west end of the Victoria Harbor, while the Zhanjiang missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base in Stonecutters Island.

This is the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Xinhua/Li Yun)

A girl watches as the aircraft carrier Shandong arrives in Hong Kong waters, south China, July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit.

The aircraft carrier and the Yan'an missile destroyer were anchored near the west end of the Victoria Harbor, while the Zhanjiang missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base in Stonecutters Island.

This is the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

People watch as the aircraft carrier Shandong arrives in Hong Kong waters, south China, July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit.

The aircraft carrier and the Yan'an missile destroyer were anchored near the west end of the Victoria Harbor, while the Zhanjiang missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base in Stonecutters Island.

This is the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

This photo shows the Yuncheng missile frigate sailing in Hong Kong waters, south China, July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit.

The aircraft carrier and the Yan'an missile destroyer were anchored near the west end of the Victoria Harbor, while the Zhanjiang missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base in Stonecutters Island.

This is the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

This photo shows the Yan'an missile destroyer sailing in Hong Kong waters, south China, July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit.

The aircraft carrier and the Yan'an missile destroyer were anchored near the west end of the Victoria Harbor, while the Zhanjiang missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base in Stonecutters Island.

This is the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

Hong Kong students pose for a group photo while visiting the Yuncheng missile frigate in Hong Kong, south China, July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit.

The aircraft carrier and the Yan'an missile destroyer were anchored near the west end of the Victoria Harbor, while the Zhanjiang missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base in Stonecutters Island.

This is the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Photo by Duan Zhenjun/Xinhua)

A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrives in Hong Kong, south China, July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit.

The aircraft carrier and the Yan'an missile destroyer were anchored near the west end of the Victoria Harbor, while the Zhanjiang missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base in Stonecutters Island.

This is the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Photo by Pan Xiaoyuan/Xinhua)

The public welcome the fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong, on civilian boats in Hong Kong waters, south China, July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit.

The aircraft carrier and the Yan'an missile destroyer were anchored near the west end of the Victoria Harbor, while the Zhanjiang missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base in Stonecutters Island.

This is the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Photo by Pan Xiaoyuan/Xinhua)

The aircraft carrier Shandong approaches the Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong, south China, July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit.

The aircraft carrier and the Yan'an missile destroyer were anchored near the west end of the Victoria Harbor, while the Zhanjiang missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base in Stonecutters Island.

This is the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Photo by Guo Zhihao/Xinhua)

A fireboat of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government performs a water gate ceremony for the fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong, in Hong Kong, south China, July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit.

The aircraft carrier and the Yan'an missile destroyer were anchored near the west end of the Victoria Harbor, while the Zhanjiang missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base in Stonecutters Island.

This is the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Photo by Zhang Huiquan/Xinhua)

People ashore capture images of the aircraft carrier Shandong as it arrives in south China's Hong Kong, on July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit.

This is the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

Journalists on a highland capture images of the aircraft carrier Shandong as it arrives in south China's Hong Kong, on July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit.

This is the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

People ashore capture images of the aircraft carrier Shandong as it arrives in south China's Hong Kong, on July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit.

This is the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

People ashore capture images of the aircraft carrier Shandong as it arrives in south China's Hong Kong, on July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit.

This is the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

Journalists on a highland capture images of a fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong as it arrives in south China's Hong Kong, on July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit.

This is the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

People ashore capture images of the aircraft carrier Shandong as it arrives in south China's Hong Kong, on July 3, 2025. A fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, kicking off a five-day visit.

This is the Shandong's first visit to Hong Kong. From Friday to Sunday, the Shandong, the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng will host open tours, lectures, drill demonstrations and other exchange activities. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)