The Shandong kicked off a five-day trip to the semi-autonomous region as U.S. officials warned that China’s military capabilities were developing at an unprecedented pace.

China’s first domestically-built aircraft carrier, the Shandong, and its three escort vessels are visiting Hong Kong from July 3 to 7, offering public tours for the first time to the city’s residents.

China’s Shandong aircraft carrier arrived in Hong Kong for the first time on Thursday. The Shandong sailed in alongside its battle group, which includes the navy's Yan'an and Zhanjiang guided missile destroyers,