China’s first domestically built aircraft carrier, the Shandong, docked in Hong Kong on Thursday as part of Beijing's campaign to boost patriotism, just days after the territory marked the 28th anniversary of its handover from British to Chinese sovereignty.
Escorted by a vessel from its strike group, the Shandong entered Hong Kong waters in the early hours of the morning, accompanied by two destroyers and a frigate, according to Chinese state media. The warships will be open to public visits over the weekend.