BEIJING: China should organize an aircraft carrier task group to visit the country’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 2021, a move that can boost the senses of pride, safety and belonging for people in Hong Kong and safeguard Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability by displaying China’s strong national defense capability, a national political advisor suggested at the ongoing two sessions.
Gao Yanming, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China’s top political advisory body, also the president of Hebei Ocean Shipping Co Ltd, said that this should be done when COVID-19 is brought under control.
If the condition allows, it would be better if two of the country’s carriers form a dual carrier group that also includes other advanced warships, like the 10,000 ton-class destroyer, and make them open for onboard visits by people in Hong Kong, China Ship News reported on Thursday.
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy now operates two aircraft carriers, namely the Liaoning and the Shandong, as well as the Nanchang, a 10,000 ton-class destroyer Type 055, with more hulls in this class expected to enter service soon.
On July 7, 2017, the Liaoning visited Hong Kong as part of a celebration of the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, with observers at the time saying that the move elevated local people’s pride in the country.
Aircraft carrier visits to Hong Kong should become routine, Gao suggested, noting that PLA carriers should make a visit every one or two years.
– The Daily Mail-Global Times News exchange item
