Residents, visitors flock to waterfront as PLA Navy ships sail into Hong Kong
Guided-missile destroyer Nanning and guided-missile frigate Hengyang arrive for five-day port call to mark handover anniversary
The guided-missile frigate Hengyang and the guided-missile destroyer Nanning sailed into Hong Kong via Lei Yue Mun and Victoria Harbour in the morning, arriving at Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks at 9am and 9.40am, respectively.
A People’s Liberation Army (PLA) band played celebratory music to welcome the ships, while dozens of officers stood waving in formation to greet them. Naval officers waved back from the decks of the frigate and the destroyer.
Officials, district councillors and secondary school students were invited to attend the ceremony. The students and councillors waved national and Hong Kong flags to welcome the Nanning.
“With another vessel visiting within a year, this shows how the nation highly values, cares for and supports Hong Kong,” he said, adding that the visit would demonstrate the country’s defence prowess and foster patriotism among youngsters.
“This is a lively lesson in patriotism, which will take root and grow in our younger generation’s hearts, inspiring them to contribute more to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”