The Shandong, China’s second and first home-built aircraft carrier, docked in Hong Kong on Thursday following the city’s 28th anniversary under Chinese governance. The 300-meter-long vessel, commissioned in 2019, highlights President Xi Jinping’s push for naval dominance in the region. Escorting the Shandong are destroyers Zhanjiang and Yanan, and frigate Yuncheng, all set to stay five days for tours and cultural events. The visit follows recent joint combat drills with the Liaoning in the western Pacific. The Shandong is moored in Victoria Harbour, with escorts at Stonecutters Island.
