From 700 sailors spelling out "Hello Hong Kong" on the deck to youthful soldiers singing about iPads and smartphones, China's People's Liberation Army used the first port call in Hong Kong by its aircraft carrier to turn on the charm.

The PLA opted for a message of unity in a weekend slate of public events for the Liaoning battle group. The approach comes amid skepticism in Hong Kong about China adhering to the "one country, two systems" arrangement that has overseen its governance for 20 years, and after a visiting President Xi Jinping recently warned challenges to China's rule wouldn't be tolerated.

"We are the post-1990 generation, and we are just like you," rapped a troop of uniformed soldiers in a show dedicated to celebrating the 20th anniversary of Britain's return of Hong Kong to Chinese rule. "Yet, that cannot define who we are: we've decided to dedicate ourselves to defending this great country, and let sweat and hard training polish our shining youth."