China's first domestically-built aircraft carrier, the Shandong (Hull 17), was commissioned to the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy on December 17, 2019, ushering in a new chapter of China's aircraft carrier development. Over the past six years, it has forged ahead through concrete actions. In December 2020, it crossed the Taiwan Strait for cross-regional maneuvers. In May 2021, it went to the South China Sea to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests. In August 2022, it carried out exercises involving the actual use of weapons. In April 2023, it took part in the "Joint Sword" exercises. In October 2024, the formations of Chinese aircraft carriers Liaoning (Hull 16) and Shandong (Hull 17) carried out a dual aircraft carrier formation exercise for the first time in the South China Sea. In July 2025, a fleet of the Chinese PLA Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong visited Hong Kong, engaging warmly with the public.

With its footprints extending farther into the deep blue, the aircraft carrier Shandong's combat capabilities have been greatly honed. For its sixth commissioning anniversary, we wish the Shandong a happy birthday and look forward to seeing it achieve outstanding results in future voyages.

Producers: Li Weichao, Li Wei and Wang Xinjuan