In a recent incident that underscores the heightened security measures surrounding military visits, two Hong Kong men, aged 35 and 18, were arrested for allegedly flying drones near the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's amphibious assault ship Hainan and destroyer Changsha during their five-day visit to Hong Kong, which began on November 21, 2024. The arrests took place on November 22 and 23, 2024, at China Merchants Wharf pier, where the ships were docked [afddcbf8].
Authorities seized two drones from the suspects, who were subsequently released on bail. They are required to report back to the police in late December. The act of unauthorized drone flying near the PLA fleet carries serious penalties, including a fine of up to HK$100,000 (approximately US$12,800) and a potential two-year prison sentence [afddcbf8].
This incident comes during a period of increased vigilance in Hong Kong, particularly in light of recent tensions in the region. The PLA's visit is part of ongoing military engagements that have raised concerns about security and sovereignty in Hong Kong, especially as the city navigates its relationship with mainland China. The presence of military vessels often draws attention and scrutiny from both the public and authorities, leading to strict enforcement of regulations regarding aerial surveillance and drone usage [afddcbf8].