The People’s Republic of China (PRC) conducted a “VERY HIGH” and “EXTENSIVE” social media campaign to promote the PLA Navy (PLAN) Shandong aircraft carrier’s visit to Hong Kong from July 3-7, 2025.
This effort included 315 posts on X, indicating “level IV amplification” (very high IO effort), and on Weibo, there were 1,726 government-affiliated posts, marking “level V amplification” (extensive IO effort), and 160,377 interactions with these posts, categorized as “level III engagement”. The campaign aimed to showcase China as a modern military power, demonstrate Hong Kong residents’ support for the PLA, and divert attention from potential dissent, likely timed with the anniversaries of Hong Kong’s handover and the National Security Law’s imposition.
PRC-affiliated accounts on X highlighted the ship’s sleek appearance and quoted Hong Kong residents expressing feelings of security due to its presence. On Weibo, news of the visit was extensively amplified, featuring local residents touring the ship, close-up views of J-15 aircraft, and a live stream hosted by the PLA’s China Bugle account.
