Latest news with #Zhanjiang
Kuwait Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Chinese carrier moors in HK on ‘great power' visit
HONG KONG: China's first domestically built aircraft carrier sailed into Hong Kong on Thursday, just days after the city marked 28 years under Chinese rule. The Shandong, measuring more than 300 meters (1,000 feet) and commissioned in 2019, is China's second carrier and is central to its regional ambitions under President Xi Jinping, who has overseen a massive naval buildup that has rattled Asian neighbors. Beijing has said the Shandong and its escort vessels, which include the destroyers Zhanjiang and Yanan and the frigate Yuncheng, will visit the Chinese finance hub for five days and host 'tours and cultural exchange activities'. The Shandong's visit came days after it concluded combat drills in the western Pacific alongside China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning. It anchored at the western edge of Hong Kong's Victoria Harbor while the escorts berthed at the People's Liberation Army naval base on Stonecutters Island on the northern side of the famous waterway. City leader John Lee said at a welcoming ceremony that the visit would let the public 'experience the magnificence and sophistication of the country's modern warships'. The PLA navy 'not only protects national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, but is also an important force for regional peace and stability,' Lee said. The Shandong and the Liaoning are both of a modified Soviet design, with J-15 fighter jets and helicopters seen on the Shandong's distinctive 'ski jump' deck on Thursday. China's third and more advanced carrier, the Fujian, is undergoing sea trials. Tickets to visit the vessels in Hong Kong were snapped up within minutes on social media app WeChat. Crowds flocked to the waterfront and nearby hillsides on Thursday morning to catch a glimpse of the vessels. City officials set up a restricted flying zone over parts of the harbor and temporarily reduced ferry services. The Shandong is the second Chinese aircraft carrier to visit Hong Kong, following a 2017 visit by the Liaoning. 'The idea appears to be to impress upon the Hong Kong public... the ruling (Chinese Communist Party's) quest for building what's termed as the status of a maritime great power,' said Collin Koh, a naval affairs specialist at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. China has rapidly upgraded its naval forces as it seeks to expand its reach in the Pacific and challenge a US-led alliance. The US Department of Defense said in a December report that China numerically has the largest navy in the world, with a battle force of more than 370 ships and submarines. Japanese authorities said China's dual-carrier exercise in the Pacific last month was the first of its kind and reflected Beijing's intentions to improve operational capabilities in distant areas. Chong Ja Ian of the National University of Singapore said China's latest exercises suggest 'both aircraft carriers are ready to engage in more sophisticated operations' but some unknowns remain, including the operational tempo they can bear. The Shandong was reportedly present in Philippine waters in April during a joint US-Philippines military exercise, deepening tensions between Manila and Beijing over disputed territorial claims in the South China Sea. In that same month, the vessel also took part in drills testing the Chinese navy's ability to 'blockade' Taiwan, according to the Eastern Theater Command. China insists that the self-ruled democracy is part of its territory and has refused to rule out seizing the island by force.--AFP
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Chinese carrier Shandong moors in Hong Kong on 'great power' visit
China's first domestically built aircraft carrier sailed into Hong Kong on Thursday, just days after the city marked 28 years under Chinese rule. The Shandong, measuring more than 300 metres (1,000 feet) and commissioned in 2019, is China's second carrier and is central to its regional ambitions under President Xi Jinping, who has overseen a massive naval buildup that has rattled Asian neighbours. Beijing has said the Shandong and its escort vessels, which include the destroyers Zhanjiang and Yanan and the frigate Yuncheng, will visit the Chinese finance hub for five days and host "tours and cultural exchange activities". The Shandong's visit came days after it concluded combat drills in the western Pacific alongside China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning. It anchored at the western edge of Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour while the escorts berthed at the People's Liberation Army naval base on Stonecutters Island on the northern side of the famous waterway. City leader John Lee said at a welcoming ceremony that the visit would let the public "experience the magnificence and sophistication of the country's modern warships". The PLA navy "not only protects national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, but is also an important force for regional peace and stability," Lee said. The Shandong and the Liaoning are both of a modified Soviet design, with J-15 fighter jets and helicopters seen on the Shandong's distinctive "ski jump" deck on Thursday. China's third and more advanced carrier, the Fujian, is undergoing sea trials. Tickets to visit the vessels in Hong Kong were snapped up within minutes on social media app WeChat. - 'Great power' - Crowds flocked to the waterfront and nearby hillsides on Thursday morning to catch a glimpse of the vessels. City officials set up a restricted flying zone over parts of the harbour and temporarily reduced ferry services. The Shandong is the second Chinese aircraft carrier to visit Hong Kong, following a 2017 visit by the Liaoning. "The idea appears to be to impress upon the Hong Kong public... the ruling (Chinese Communist Party's) quest for building what's termed as the status of a maritime great power," said Collin Koh, a naval affairs specialist at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. China has rapidly upgraded its naval forces as it seeks to expand its reach in the Pacific and challenge a US-led alliance. The US Department of Defense said in a December report that China numerically has the largest navy in the world, with a battle force of more than 370 ships and submarines. Japanese authorities said China's dual-carrier exercise in the Pacific last month was the first of its kind and reflected Beijing's intentions to improve operational capabilities in distant areas. Chong Ja Ian of the National University of Singapore said China's latest exercises suggest "both aircraft carriers are ready to engage in more sophisticated operations" but some unknowns remain, including the operational tempo they can bear. The Shandong was reportedly present in Philippine waters in April during a joint US-Philippines military exercise, deepening tensions between Manila and Beijing over disputed territorial claims in the South China Sea. In that same month, the vessel also took part in drills testing the Chinese navy's ability to "blockade" Taiwan, according to the Eastern Theater Command. China insists that the self-ruled democracy is part of its territory and has refused to rule out seizing the island by force. isk-hol/pbt/dhc
HKFP
2 days ago
- Politics
- HKFP
Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong arrives in Hong Kong
China's first domestically built aircraft carrier sailed into Hong Kong on Thursday, just days after the city marked 28 years under Chinese rule. Commissioned in 2019, the more than 300-metre (1,000-foot) Shandong is China's second carrier and key to the country's regional ambitions under President Xi Jinping, who oversaw a massive naval buildup that has rattled Asian neighbours. Beijing earlier announced the Shandong and its escort vessels — which include the destroyer Zhanjiang and frigate Yuncheng — will visit the Chinese finance hub for five days and host 'tours and cultural exchange activities'. The flotilla was spotted early on Thursday morning sailing off the southern coast of Hong Kong island. The Shandong's visit came days after it concluded combat drills in the western Pacific, alongside China's first aircraft carrier the Liaoning. Both ships are of a modified Soviet design with a distinctive 'ski jump' deck for aircraft takeoff. China's third and more advanced carrier, the Fujian, is undergoing sea trials. Tickets to visit the vessels in Hong Kong were snapped up within minutes on social media app WeChat. 'The idea appears to impress upon the Hong Kong public… the ruling (Chinese Communist Party's) quest for building what's termed as the status of a maritime great power,' said Collin Koh, a naval affairs specialist at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. The Shandong is the second Chinese aircraft carrier to visit Hong Kong, following a 2017 visit by the Liaoning. China has rapidly upgraded its naval forces as it seeks to expand its reach in the Pacific and challenge a US-led alliance. The US Department of Defense said in a December report that numerically China has the largest navy in the world, with a battle force of more than 370 ships and submarines. Japan authorities said China's dual-carrier exercise in the Pacific last month was the first of its kind and reflected intentions to improve operational capabilities in distant areas. Chong Ja Ian of the National University of Singapore said China's latest exercises suggest 'both aircraft carriers are ready to engage in more sophisticated operations' but some unknowns remain, including the operational tempo they can bear. In April, the Shandong took part in drills testing the Chinese navy's ability to 'blockade' Taiwan, according to the Eastern Theater Command. China insists that the self-ruled democracy is part of its territory and has refused to rule out seizing it by force. The Shandong was also reportedly present in Philippine waters in April during a joint US-Philippines military exercise, deepening tensions between Manila and Beijing.
France 24
2 days ago
- Politics
- France 24
Chinese carrier Shandong moors in Hong Kong on 'great power' visit
The Shandong, measuring more than 300 metres (1,000 feet) and commissioned in 2019, is China's second carrier and is central to its regional ambitions under President Xi Jinping, who has overseen a massive naval buildup that has rattled Asian neighbours. Beijing has said the Shandong and its escort vessels, which include the destroyers Zhanjiang and Yanan and the frigate Yuncheng, will visit the Chinese finance hub for five days and host "tours and cultural exchange activities". The Shandong's visit came days after it concluded combat drills in the western Pacific alongside China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning. It anchored at the western edge of Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour while the escorts berthed at the People's Liberation Army naval base on Stonecutters Island on the northern side of the famous waterway. City leader John Lee said at a welcoming ceremony that the visit would let the public "experience the magnificence and sophistication of the country's modern warships". The PLA navy "not only protects national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, but is also an important force for regional peace and stability," Lee said. The Shandong and the Liaoning are both of a modified Soviet design, with J-15 fighter jets and helicopters seen on the Shandong's distinctive "ski jump" deck on Thursday. China's third and more advanced carrier, the Fujian, is undergoing sea trials. Tickets to visit the vessels in Hong Kong were snapped up within minutes on social media app WeChat. 'Great power' Crowds flocked to the waterfront and nearby hillsides on Thursday morning to catch a glimpse of the vessels. City officials set up a restricted flying zone over parts of the harbour and temporarily reduced ferry services. The Shandong is the second Chinese aircraft carrier to visit Hong Kong, following a 2017 visit by the Liaoning. "The idea appears to be to impress upon the Hong Kong public... the ruling (Chinese Communist Party's) quest for building what's termed as the status of a maritime great power," said Collin Koh, a naval affairs specialist at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. China has rapidly upgraded its naval forces as it seeks to expand its reach in the Pacific and challenge a US-led alliance. The US Department of Defense said in a December report that China numerically has the largest navy in the world, with a battle force of more than 370 ships and submarines. Japanese authorities said China's dual-carrier exercise in the Pacific last month was the first of its kind and reflected Beijing's intentions to improve operational capabilities in distant areas. Chong Ja Ian of the National University of Singapore said China's latest exercises suggest "both aircraft carriers are ready to engage in more sophisticated operations" but some unknowns remain, including the operational tempo they can bear. The Shandong was reportedly present in Philippine waters in April during a joint US-Philippines military exercise, deepening tensions between Manila and Beijing over disputed territorial claims in the South China Sea. In that same month, the vessel also took part in drills testing the Chinese navy's ability to "blockade" Taiwan, according to the Eastern Theater Command. © 2025 AFP
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Chinese carrier Shandong moors in Hong Kong on ‘great power' visit
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The Shandong, measuring more than 300m and commissioned in 2019, is China's second carrier. HONG KONG - China's first domestically built aircraft carrier sailed into Hong Kong on Thursday, just days after the city marked 28 years under Chinese rule. The Shandong, measuring more than 300m and commissioned in 2019, is China's second carrier and is central to its regional ambitions under President Xi Jinping, who has overseen a massive naval buildup that has rattled Asian neighbours. Beijing has said the Shandong and its escort vessels, which include the destroyers Zhanjiang and Yanan and the frigate Yuncheng, will visit the Chinese finance hub for five days and host 'tours and cultural exchange activities'. The Shandong's visit came days after it concluded combat drills in the western Pacific alongside China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning. It anchored at the western edge of Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour while the escorts berthed at the People's Liberation Army naval base on Stonecutters Island on the northern side of the famous waterway. City leader John Lee said at a welcoming ceremony that the visit would let the public 'experience the magnificence and sophistication of the country's modern warships'. The PLA navy 'not only protects national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, but is also an important force for regional peace and stability,' Mr Lee said. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore $500 in Child LifeSG credits, Edusave, Post-Sec Education Account top-ups to be disbursed in July Singapore Man to be charged after he allegedly damaged PAP campaign materials on GE2025 Polling Day Singapore Scoot launches flights to Da Nang, Kota Bharu and Nha Trang; boosts frequency to other destinations Asia 4 dead, 30 missing after ferry sinks on way to Indonesia's Bali Singapore Electrician who bit off part of coworker's ear during fight gets 6 months' jail Singapore $1.46b nickel-trading scam: Ng Yu Zhi's bid for bail midway through trial denied by High Court Asia Thai opposition to hold off on no-confidence vote against government Business Singapore six-month T-bill cut-off yield tumbles from 2% to 1.85% The Shandong and the Liaoning are both of a modified Soviet design, with J-15 fighter jets and helicopters seen on the Shandong's distinctive 'ski jump' deck on July 3. China's third and more advanced carrier, the Fujian, is undergoing sea trials. Tickets to visit the vessels in Hong Kong were snapped up within minutes on social media app WeChat. 'Great power' Crowds flocked to the waterfront and nearby hillsides on July 3 morning to catch a glimpse of the vessels. City officials set up a restricted flying zone over parts of the harbour and temporarily reduced ferry services. The Shandong is the second Chinese aircraft carrier to visit Hong Kong, following a 2017 visit by the Liaoning. 'The idea appears to be to impress upon the Hong Kong public... the ruling (Chinese Communist Party's) quest for building what's termed as the status of a maritime great power,' said Dr Collin Koh, a naval affairs specialist at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. China has rapidly upgraded its naval forces as it seeks to expand its reach in the Pacific and challenge a US-led alliance. The US Department of Defense said in a December 2024 report that China numerically has the largest navy in the world, with a battle force of more than 370 ships and submarines. Japanese authorities said China's dual-carrier exercise in the Pacific last month was the first of its kind and reflected Beijing's intentions to improve operational capabilities in distant areas. Associate Professor Chong Ja Ian of the National University of Singapore said China's latest exercises suggest 'both aircraft carriers are ready to engage in more sophisticated operations' but some unknowns remain, including the operational tempo they can bear. The Shandong was reportedly present in Philippine waters in April during a joint US-Philippines military exercise, deepening tensions between Manila and Beijing over disputed territorial claims in the South China Sea. In that same month, the vessel also took part in drills testing the Chinese navy's ability to 'blockade' Taiwan, according to the Eastern Theater Command. China insists that the self-ruled democracy is part of its territory and has refused to rule out seizing the island by force. AFP
