Chinese aircraft carrier “Liaoning” for the first time entered the waters of Hong Kong
Aircraft carrier “Liaoning” made his first trip outside mainland China and arrived in Hong Kong, where he will participate in events in honor of the 20th anniversary of transfer by Britain of Hong Kong, people’s Republic of China.
In Hong Kong, where in recent years has aggravated political situation, the arrival of the aircraft carrier, which is accompanied by three warships, is considered as a demonstration of force by Beijing.
Recently in Hong Kong, visited the President of China, XI Jinping, who once again stated the inadmissibility of any actions aimed at the separation of Hong Kong.
The Chinese people’s liberation army stationed in Hong Kong since the transition under the jurisdiction of China in 1997, but its presence was not felt. Soldiers rarely appeared on the streets in uniform.
As correspondent Bi-bi-si, the emergence of “Liaoning” in Hong Kong can be considered an unprecedented step by the Central authorities, concerned about the protests in the former British colony.
But the 300-meter aircraft carrier has also attracted great interest from local residents who can visit with excursions for five days.
“Liaoning” is a modernized aircraft carrier, built in the Soviet Union in the late 80-ies.
At first it was called “Riga”, then with the collapse of the USSR, the ship departed the Ukraine under the name “Varangian”, and in 1995 was sold to China for $ 25 million.