Traditionally powered Chinese aircraft carriers face supply issues, as China does not have bases over the first island chain, analysts said.
China’s first domestically built aircraft carrier, the Shandong, docked in Hong Kong on July 3, just days after the 28th anniversary of the territory being handed over to Beijing from the UK.
It comes as the Chinese communist regime continues to actively expand its naval power, which has caused concern from others in the region.
It is the second time that a Chinese aircraft carrier has come to Hong Kong. China’s first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, docked in Hong Kong in 2017.
The Shandong is China’s second aircraft carrier and has recently been taking part in military drills in the western Pacific with the Liaoning.
The Shandong was accompanied by two destroyers and a frigate for its visit to Hong Kong, according to Chinese state media. The warships will be in Hong Kong for five days from July 3. The Shandong has been open to public visits over the weekend.
The Shandong, commissioned in 2019, is China’s second aircraft carrier and the first domestically built aircraft carrier. It is also an important part of China’s regional strategic ambitions. China’s ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been rapidly upgrading its naval power in an attempt to expand its influence in the Pacific region and challenge the U.S.-led alliance, which is based on promoting the values of freedom and liberal democracy—in contrast to the CCP’s socialist values.
A third Chinese carrier with a flat-deck design is currently undergoing sea trials, while a fourth is under construction.
The U.S. Department of Defense reported in December 2024 that China has the largest navy in the world, with more than 370 ships and submarines. China surpassed the United States in the number of battle force ships sometime between 2015 and 2020.
Japan expressed concerns in June that China’s dual-carrier exercises in the western Pacific were the first of their kind and reflected Beijing’s intention to enhance its long-range combat capabilities.
The Shandong appeared in Philippine waters during a joint U.S.–Philippines military exercise in April, heightening ongoing tensions between Manila and Beijing over disputed territorial claims in the South China Sea.
By Alex Wu
