A Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy fleet led by the aircraft carrier Shandong arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning, starting a five-day visit to the region.

The HKSAR government held a grand welcome ceremony.

"On behalf of the HKSAR government and residents, I would like to extend a warm welcome to the arrival of the naval fleet," HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee said in a speech at the event.

From Friday to Sunday, the fleet will open to local residents, and carry out interactive activities including training demonstrations and national defense knowledge lectures. 

The events are intended to offer locals a direct, in-depth understanding of China's advancements in national defense and military development in the new era, according to China's Ministry of National Defense.