BEIJING, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Approved by the Central Military Commission, a naval fleet led by the aircraft carrier Shandong will visit Hong Kong from July 3 to 7, an official statement said on Saturday.

The fleet, which also includes the Yan'an and Zhanjiang missile destroyers, as well as the Yuncheng missile frigate, will host a series of open tours and cultural exchange activities.

These events aim to offer Hong Kong compatriots a more direct and in-depth understanding of China's advancements in national defense and military development in the new era.

Since Hong Kong's return to the motherland in 1997, vessels of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy have visited the city eight times in various forms. The first visit occurred in 2001, while the two most recent took place in 2024. ■