Liaoning ship will open to welcome people for the first time in Hong Kong

China's first aircraft carrier will welcome the public on a visit to Hong Kong to mark the 20th anniversary of its handover to Beijing.

Liaoning aircraft carrier. Photo: Xinhua

The Liaoning fleet will demonstrate the "military strength" and achievements of China's naval forces,Xinhuaquoted Yang Liang, a navy spokesman, as saying today.

The ship is expected to arrive in Hong Kong on July 7, SCMP reported, citing a source within the Chinese People's Liberation Army.Li Jie, a Beijing-based maritime expert, said this would be the first time the public would have the opportunity to board the ship. "This is definitely a great honor for Beijing to give to the people of Hong Kong. On the mainland, the public has not had the opportunity to see this aircraft carrier," Li said.

Liaoning aircraft carrier group during an exercise

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned that Beijing would not tolerate any challenge to its control of the Hong Kong special administrative region during Carrie Lam's inauguration ceremony yesterday, his strongest remarks yet on the issue amid concerns about what some see as Beijing's growing interference.

The Liaoning ship earlier this year sailed in waters near Taiwan.

According to VNE