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Chinese Amphibious Assault Ship Hainan and Destroyer Changsha Visit Hong Kong.
According to information published by the Chinese MoD on November 22, 2024, the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has deployed two of its premier warships to Hong Kong for a five-day visit. The visit, which commenced today, features the Amphibious Assault Ship Hainan (Hull 31) and the Guided-Missile Destroyer Changsha (Hull 173).
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China's PLA Navy's Type 075 Landing Helicopter Dock Hainan. (Picture source: Chinese MoD)
The relationship between Hong Kong and the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) highlights the strategic significance of the city in China’s maritime strategy. Since the 1997 handover, Hong Kong has played a key role in supporting the PLAN’s operational readiness, showcasing its naval modernization efforts, and serving as a platform for maritime security initiatives.
Hong Kong’s location at the mouth of the Pearl River Delta makes it an essential asset for China’s naval ambitions. Its deep-water harbors provide the ideal infrastructure for hosting various naval vessels, including frigates, destroyers, and amphibious ships. Proximity to the South China Sea further enhances its importance, as it allows the PLAN to protect critical shipping lanes, assert territorial claims, and respond to regional challenges. After the handover, China established a permanent naval presence in Hong Kong, with the Ngong Shuen Chau Naval Base on Stonecutters Island becoming the center of its operations. This base, established in 1997, has been modernized to support advanced naval assets and hosts visiting warships for operational and public diplomacy purposes.
The Hong Kong Garrison, a branch of the PLA, manages naval operations in the city. Its naval component conducts regular patrols to ensure maritime security and safeguard Hong Kong’s territorial waters. Occasionally, these units participate in joint exercises, focusing on search-and-rescue missions, anti-piracy operations, and combat simulations. The garrison also engages with the public through open days, allowing residents to visit ships and facilities, reinforcing the PLAN’s role in safeguarding national interests.
Additionally, training ships like the Po Lang have docked in the city as part of operational stops, highlighting Hong Kong’s role in sustaining PLAN deployments.
Beyond its military functions, Hong Kong remains a vital hub for China’s maritime trade and logistics. As one of the busiest ports in the world, it supports the PLAN’s logistical needs, offering resupply and refueling capabilities for ships operating regionally and internationally. Hong Kong’s integration into China’s Belt and Road Initiative further cements its role in the country’s maritime ambitions, serving as a bridge between military operations and economic interests.
However, the PLAN’s presence in Hong Kong is not without challenges. While naval open days and community engagement aim to foster goodwill, some residents view the increasing militarization of the city with skepticism. This sentiment reflects broader concerns about Beijing’s policies in Hong Kong, complicating efforts to integrate the city more closely into China’s military framework.