A July 1 with much to celebrate for both Hong Kong and the nation

What sets July 1 apart forever in Hong Kong is that rainy day in 1997 when China resumed sovereignty over the city after more than 100 years of British rule. The 28th anniversary may not be quite comparable with the landmark 20th or 30th, but in its own right, the day marks a defining event in the city’s eventful history as it takes a further step in its continuous journey to showcase the success of the “one country, two systems” governing principle.

This year, a frisson of anticipation sets it apart. The People’s Liberation Army’s carrier fleet is coming to town. The aircraft carrier Shandong and three escorts are not due to anchor until Thursday, but they have generated a wave of patriotic excitement even before the July 1 anniversary.

Hongkongers – known for their enthusiasm for People’s Liberation Army open days – snapped up the first batch of tickets for an inside look at the Shandong in less than a minute. A total of 10,000 tickets, with 2,000 designated for the aircraft carrier and 8,000 for two other vessels – the Zhangjian missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate – were up for grabs.

Showing the flag at home and abroad on goodwill cruises is an important peacetime mission of great naval fleets. It also reinforces patriotic education at home. In that regard, long may Hong Kong host the Chinese navy on this proud day. Friendly naval visits also serve to demonstrate China’s military modernisation and capability to safeguard national sovereignty.