As the Liaoning makes its way to Hong Kong amid the 20th-anniversary handover celebrations, the significance of this journey extends beyond mere maritime transit. This formidable aircraft carrier serves as a powerful symbol, encapsulating China’s burgeoning global military ambitions.
The timing of the Liaoning’s arrival aligns with the commemoration of two decades since Hong Kong’s return to Chinese sovereignty. Against the backdrop of celebratory events, the presence of this imposing vessel adds a distinct layer of symbolism. Its sleek silhouette against the city skyline not only marks a technological marvel but also underscores China’s assertiveness in projecting its naval prowess.
The Liaoning’s role in these festivities goes beyond the immediate spectacle. It stands as a tangible representation of China’s evolving military strategy and its emergence as a formidable player on the global stage. The aircraft carrier, with its complement of fighter jets and advanced naval capabilities, signifies China’s commitment to enhancing its maritime influence and defending its strategic interests.
Beyond the sheer display of military might, the Liaoning’s journey is a strategic move in the realm of soft power. It subtly communicates China’s narrative, asserting that Hong Kong is an integral part of a powerful and assertive nation. In the intricate dance of geopolitics, the Liaoning becomes a floating emblem of China’s determination to safeguard its interests and project influence far beyond its shores.
The Liaoning’s arrival in Hong Kong is not just a naval voyage; it is a carefully orchestrated statement echoing across the waters, resonating with the global community. As onlookers witness this maritime spectacle, they are also witnessing China’s ambitions unfurling on the high seas—a potent reminder of the nation’s aspirations and the evolving dynamics of geopolitical power in the 21st century.
This week, China’s sole operational aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, graces the waters of Hong Kong, offering the world an unprecedented close-up view of the pride of China’s naval might. Scheduled to dock on Saturday, July 7, this marks one of the most significant symbolic displays of Chinese military strength in the former British territory since its return to Chinese rule in 1997.
The anticipation is palpable, with thousands of Hong Kong residents queuing eagerly for a coveted opportunity to secure one of the 2,000 tickets available for tours aboard the Liaoning. The vessel, equipped with fighter jets and helicopters, has become a focal point of interest and curiosity.
The Liaoning’s arrival follows closely on the heels of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s historic visit to the city, his first since assuming power in 2013. Beijing, in a departure from its typically secretive stance, released new photos showcasing the aircraft carrier engaged in exercises en route to Hong Kong, providing a rare glimpse into the vessel’s operations.
While the Liaoning currently stands as China’s sole operational aircraft carrier, a second domestically-produced carrier was launched in April and will be officially commissioned upon the completion of construction. These consecutive visits by President Xi and the Liaoning align with anniversary celebrations in Hong Kong, marking 20 years since the city’s return to Chinese sovereignty.
However, beyond the celebratory atmosphere, the Liaoning’s arrival carries political significance. Yvonne Chiu, assistant professor in the department of politics at the University of Hong Kong, suggests that sailing the Liaoning into Hong Kong’s harbor serves as a deliberate political gesture. It reinforces the message that Hong Kong is an integral part of China, both to the local population and the global community. Yet, there’s also an element of soft power at play, as residents are granted a rare opportunity to step aboard the Liaoning between July 8 and 9, possibly influencing hearts and minds in the process. The juxtaposition of military might and soft power initiatives underscores the complex dynamics at play during this commemorative period in Hong Kong’s history.
Sailors transfer a J-15 fіɡһteг jet into the hangar bay during a training exercise on July 1.
Technology outdated
ɩаᴜпсһed with great ceremony in 2012, the Chinese government originally bought the Liaoning from the Ukrainian government in 1998.
The Chinese Navy is said to be building a foгсe with “blue-water capability,” able to operate in oceans around the world in a similar way to the US.
China is rapidly increasing its military budget, currently the second largest in the world, raising spending by 7% in early 2017.
On the flight deck of the Liaoning aircraft carrier, a squadron of formidable J-15 fighter jets rests, poised for action in a training exercise scheduled for July 1.
The technological prowess of China’s aircraft carriers, however, is a subject of ongoing scrutiny and comparison with their U.S. counterparts. According to Sam Roggeveen, a senior fellow at Sydney’s Lowy Institute, both of China’s carriers are deemed technologically outdated. Notably, they still rely on the “ski jump” mechanism—a 15-degree incline at the front of the ship—to provide aircraft with the necessary lift.
Roggeveen explained that the ski jump is a secondary solution for launching aircraft from a carrier, contrasting it with the American approach of using catapults that propel aircraft at significantly higher speeds. The technological disparity underscores the evolving dynamics of naval aviation, prompting a closer examination of China’s pursuit to enhance the capabilities of its carrier-based aircraft against the backdrop of advancements in global naval aviation technology.