Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR government Cheuk Wing-hing shared on social media that he toured the ski-jump flight deck, arresting cables, carrier-based fighter jets, and helicopters aboard the Shandong.

　　“The rapid progress of our country's national defense is truly remarkable,“ Cheuk said. “I am deeply moved and feel proud of our nation.“

　　A visitor poses for a photo while visiting the aircraft carrier Shandong in Hong Kong, July 5, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

　　The Shandong aircraft carrier was open to the public for visits. Starry Lee, a member of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, said that this allowed people to experience firsthand the remarkable achievements of the country's naval modernization, and held significant meaning in fostering a stronger sense of patriotism in Hong Kong society.

　　Friday was the first open day of the fleet's visit to Hong Kong, with a focus on student visitors. More than 10,000 visits were made aboard the Shandong, Zhanjiang, and Yuncheng ships.

　　“My ancestral home is Shandong. When I first stepped onto the deck, I couldn't help but cry. Our country has truly become strong!“ a lecturer at Hong Kong Metropolitan University surnamed Wong said.

　　Some secondary school students from Macao were organized by their schools to travel to Hong Kong for the visit. They happily toured the ships while taking photos with their smartphones to share with classmates who missed the visit. They said that boarding the warships was more than just a visit; it allowed them to witness the long history of China and the country's remarkable progress.