QINGDAO - A group of civilians and businesspeople organized by the China Association for the Promotion of Patriotism and Support for the Armed Forces (CAPPSAF) visited the Liaoning, the country's first aircraft carrier, on Friday.

The delegation, comprising over 80 people, was led by Zheng Wantong, a former vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and Luo Pingfei, a former vice-minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs and president of the CAPPSAF.

The aircraft carrier tour was part of the association's "Love My Aircraft Carrier with My Heart Tied to Defense" campaign.

Ma Faxiang, director of the Political Department of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, and Zheng Hengbin, deputy director of the PLA Navy, were present at a ceremony held during the group's visit.

In his address, Ma welcomed the civilian visitors and thanked the CAPPSAF for its support and assistance for the development of the PLA Navy.

The CAPPSAF was founded in June 2011.

For decades, the Chinese have cherished a tradition of promoting relations between civilians and the country's armed forces.