Named after the East China province, the Shandong ushered in China's "dual-carrier era", joining the Liaoning, which was commissioned into the PLA Navy in 2012.

The escort fleet highlights China's shipbuilding prowess — such as the Yan'an, featuring stealth and hypersonic missile capabilities, although that vessel was not open to public visits this time.

A deck reception was held on Thursday night, attended by Hong Kong and Macao community leaders.

Captain Wu Kang, overseeing the visit, called the fleet a "fully equipped, highly capable and visually impressive" naval force which has sailed vast oceans.

He said that during their stay, naval officers will engage in soccer and tug-of-war matches, and cultural exchanges with the Hong Kong Garrison and SAR government disciplinary forces, which include the police and fire services.

Hundreds of Hong Kong students, educators and local legislators — waving national and SAR flags — gathered at the Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks on Thursday to welcome the fleet.

Among the crowd was Jin Ling, chairwoman of the Hong Kong Island Women's Association and a district councilor, who drew a connection between the event and her community work.

"Every household represents a microcosm of our nation, and countless families together form our great country," she said, emphasizing the role of women in nurturing national identity through family values.

The visit coincides with the fifth anniversary of the implementation of the Hong Kong SAR National Security Law, a milestone highlighted by Kwun Tong District Councilor Alan Yu Siu-lun. He described the occasion as a reminder of the motherland's expectations for Hong Kong.

Yu said that with its stability restored after the 2019 social unrest, Hong Kong is in a better position to contribute to national development. "Safeguarding national security is everyone's duty — it requires commitment from every individual."

For educators like Wan Yu-pui, a local high school teacher, the Shandong's presence reinforces the importance of national security education, which has gained prominence in Hong Kong's schools in recent years.

"This visit creates an emotional connection, strengthening patriotic sentiment and national identity in a way textbooks alone cannot," he said. "Seeing the Shandong up close shows our students just how far our nation has advanced."

The event left a deep impression on students, including Du Pui-lui from HKFEW Wong Cho Bau Secondary School, who admired the naval officers' discipline as they stood at attention under the scorching sun.

"Reading about these advanced ships is one thing, but witnessing them in person truly underscores our nation's military strength," he said.