Two Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessels – the training ship Qi Jiguang and amphibious transport dock Yimengshan – entered Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) waters on Tuesday morning. The deployment marks a routine exercise demonstrating Beijing's commitment to regional maritime security while fostering military-civilian engagement in Asia's global financial hub.
The Qi Jiguang, named after a Ming Dynasty naval commander, recently completed multinational training missions in Southeast Asia. Its arrival alongside the Yimengshan, a vessel designed for amphibious operations and disaster relief, highlights the PLA Navy's dual role in defense preparedness and humanitarian cooperation.
Hong Kong residents observed heightened naval activity near Stonecutters Island, a strategic location near the city's bustling Victoria Harbour. Analysts note such visits reinforce cross-regional stability ahead of major diplomatic forums, while offering opportunities for public education about modern naval capabilities.
This deployment follows recent joint patrols with Southeast Asian counterparts, underscoring China's emphasis on maritime cooperation. Business leaders view the presence of advanced naval assets as a stabilizing factor for regional trade routes critical to Asia's $31 trillion maritime economy.
