Shanghai: The controversial construction of a People's Liberation Army port in Hong Kong's historic Victoria Harbour has been approved, amid growing unease about China's role in the former British colony.

The port proposal was "unanimously" passed by Hong Kong's planning board, China's state broadcaster announced.

Hong Kong residents are uneasy about Chinese plans to build a military base in Victoria Harbour. Credit:Reuters

The port, which would be the PLA's first in Hong Kong, was first discussed in 1994 as part of pre-handover talks between London and Beijing, the broadcaster CCTV claimed.

However, CCTV made no mention of widespread opposition to the plans, which have added to concerns about Beijing's vision for the former colony.