Shandong Aircraft Carrier Formation Holds Deck Reception in Hong Kong

The Chinese Shandong aircraft carrier formation arrived smoothly in Hong Kong on the morning of the 3rd, commencing a five-day visit. In the evening of the 3rd, the formation held a deck reception on the Shandong carrier. Attendees included Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, Chinese CPPCC Vice Chairman Leung Chun-ying, relevant officials from the Central Government’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office and other central agencies based in Hong Kong and Macau, as well as certain officials from the Hong Kong and Macau SAR governments and representatives from all walks of patriotic circles.

Before the deck reception began, John Lee Ka-chiu reviewed the Shandong carrier’s honor guard on the flight deck. Invited guests visited some of the Shandong’s equipment and facilities, learned about the basic situation of the carrier formation, and personally experienced the development achievements of national defense and military modernization in the new era.

In the evening at Victoria Harbour, the sea breeze gently caressed the scene. The Shandong’s hangar deck was draped with signal flags, using special naval etiquette to welcome guests. The spacious and bright aircraft hangar was newly decorated, with themed backdrop walls reading “National Security, Home Well-being” and “Together for the Future” displayed on both the bow and stern flight decks.

Around 6 p.m., invited guests gradually entered the hangar and gathered with formation officers and sailors. The song "Pearl of the Orient" played on-site, heralding the start of the deck reception.

Vice Political Commissar of the Chinese Navy, Lieutenant General Cheng Jian, delivered a speech, welcoming people from all sectors of Hong Kong society who care about and support national defense and military development, introducing the significance of the Shandong carrier formation’s visit to Hong Kong, praising Hong Kong’s achievements in various fields, and expressing the strong support of the People’s Navy for Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability.

Afterwards, formation officers and sailors took to the stage to perform original artistic programs. In addition to exhibitions of traditional Chinese culture, sailors sang classic songs such as "Night at the Naval Port," "I Love This Blue Ocean," "My Motherland," and "The Blossoming Bauhinia," showcasing the demeanor and patriotism of naval warriors. At the end of the event, more than 500 attendees sang "Ode to the Motherland" together, expressing the powerful feelings of patriotism, progress, unity, and self-reliance of Chinese sons and daughters.