Battle group welcomed by city’s top officials ahead of public tours
The massive mother ship CNS Liaoning, China’s first operational airborne aircraft carrier, has made its triumphant arrival in Hong Kong waters, with top local officials welcoming the battle group at the Stonecutters naval base of the People’s Liberation Army garrison in the city.
Early bird visitors and residents along the southern coasts of Hong Kong were able to enjoy a close look at the pride of China’s navy as the colossal warship, breaking the usual dawn tranquillity, cruised into the city’s southern waters around 7am Friday.
Dwarfing its 20 escorting Hong Kong police launches, the Liaoning sailed through the East Lamma Channel into the waters south of Tsing Yi Island, where the 60,900-tonne mother ship is to anchor as its size precludes it from sailing into Victoria Harbour.
The surrounding area was made a no-fly zone from 7am Friday to 10.30am next Tuesday during the fleet’s debut visit to the city. No aircraft, drones, model aircraft, kites, and balloons are allowed; Government Flying Service planes are the only exception.
Inside the Liaoning, the warship with 10 cafeterias, a TV station and even a band
The carrier battle group comprises the Liaoning, the guided-missile destroyers CNS Jinan and CNS Yinchuan, the guided-missile frigate CNS Yantai and several J-15 carrier-borne fighter jets and helicopters. This is the Liaoning’s maiden call to Hong Kong to mark the 20th anniversary of the city’s handover from British to Chinese rule.
The PLA Navy said the battle group departed its home port in Qingdao, Shandong province for routine training.
The two destroyers and the frigate were to dock at Stonecutters.
At about 10am Friday, a ceremony hosted by city officials is to welcome the naval battle group at Stonecutters. Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor is slated to officiate the ceremony and deliver a speech. Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung Kin-chung is also scheduled to attend.
On Friday evening, there will be a ceremony and reception on the Liaoning hosted by Rear Admiral Ding Yi, its commander. Leaders of the city’s pro-Beijing camp are expected to be among the guests.
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Public tours of the Liaoning are to be available on Saturday and Sunday. A total of 2,000 tickets were distributed. Only Hong Kong permanent identity card holders can join. Another 1,600 tickets went to designated organisations.
Due to security concerns, children under 11, pregnant women and people with impaired mobility are not allowed on board.
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Ticket holders can embark the Liaoning – named after the northeastern province in China – and view its fighter aircrafts, helicopters and other carrier-based weapons in designated areas during a visit limited to one hour either day.
No cameras are allowed on board.
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Arrangements will be made to ferry visitors to the Liaoning from Central waterfront, after security checks are cleared.
Macau-based military affairs commentator Antony Wong Tung offered some insights for those planning to visit.
“The J-15 jets, sometimes called Flying Sharks, are reportedly on par with the American Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet. Visitors should also look at the advanced radars on the deck, ” he said.
The three smaller warships – the Jinan, Yinchuan and Yantai – are open to visitors at Stonecutters on Saturday and Sunday also. Those holding tickets, distributed earlier, for the base’s three open days from Saturday to Monday can tour all three vessels.
PLA Navy spokesman Liang Yang said earlier in Beijing that it was hoped the visit could help enhance Hongkongers’ understanding of achievements made in national defence and army building.
The Liaoning is a refitted Soviet-era vessel and was commissioned by the PLA Navy in 2012. Its battle group carried out a live-fire exercise in the South China Sea and western Pacific Ocean in December and January.
The Liaoning measures more than 300 metres long and about 75 metres wide, and is powered by a conventional propulsion system.
