Aircraft carrier visit to Hong Kong likely heralds new era in Chinese military outreach

An onlooker takes a photo as China's aircraft carrier Liaoning sails into Hong Kong, China July 7, 2017. REUTERS/Bobby Yip

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Following this weekend's historic visit of China's first aircraft carrier, Hong Kong is expected to play host to more frequent military displays as Beijing seeks new ways of forging nationalist sentiment across the free-wheeling financial hub.

While the troops of the People's Liberation Army stationed in barracks across the former British colony will remain a low-key presence, more robust public engagement and displays of China's growing military capabilities are likely, according to local officials, foreign envoys and analysts.