HK residents inspired by PLA naval vessels' visit

Residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region have praised the nation's naval power, saying that they feel a strong sense of pride, as two People's Liberation Army Navy warships neared the end of a five-day port call on Monday.

A PLA Navy fleet, consisting of the guided-missile destroyer Nanning and the guided-missile frigate Hengyang, sailed into the waters of the Hong Kong SAR on Thursday morning, a day after the 29th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland. The ships, which docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base at Stonecutters Island, have attracted a large number of visitors and hosted exchange activities featuring open-house events.

Over the weekend, the vessels and their crew welcomed members of the public aboard on guided tours, with 14,000 free tickets snapped up online within minutes.

At a welcoming ceremony on Thursday, Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the warships' visit highlights the nation's defense capabilities and maritime responsibilities, boosting residents' national confidence and pride.

He said that the port call — the third of its kind to the SAR in a year — fully demonstrates the central government's "great care, support and high regard" for the city.

The open-house events organized by the fleet would allow residents to experience the country's military strength firsthand, while inspiring patriotism among the younger generation and motivating them to contribute to the nation's rejuvenation, Lee added.

In a message to the SAR government and Hong Kong residents, the fleet conveyed a "deep sense of honor and duty" among its crew, with the hope of strengthening ties and "writing a new chapter together".

Public enthusiasm had been evident even before the ships docked. Crowds had gathered along the waterfront from early Thursday morning, with people saying that they felt a sense of security and pride in the country's military strength.

The fleet held an open session for young people and student groups on Friday. Students of different ages formed long queues outside the Ngong Shuen Chau naval base to board the vessels. Soldiers and officers introduced the warships' operations, briefing the visitors on the main weapons, navigational instruments and missile systems, as well as the crew's quarters.

The visitors also viewed the fast-attack craft, torpedo launchers and helicopter decks.

Law Siu-hei, a final-year undergraduate student at Lingnan University and a member of the Hong Kong Army Cadets Association, described what he saw as "stunning", such as his first impression of the massive warships up close and his tour of their interior facilities.

Having missed previous PLA Navy visits to Hong Kong, Law said he hopes there will be more opportunities in the future for him to witness the PLA Navy's strength firsthand.

During a public tour of the ships on Saturday, a resident surnamed Lam said he had secured a free ticket with the help of his four children.

Another visitor, Samuel, said he was particularly interested in seeing the growth of the nation's defense capabilities.

"Looking back at history, when our country's military power was insufficient, we were invaded by aggressors. Now, with this level of military strength, we can properly protect our own country," he said.

The Macao SAR authorities had also arranged for about 400 residents, including youth groups, teachers, students and families, to tour the warships over the weekend.

The Nanning is a domestically-built Type 052D guided-missile destroyer capable of area air defense, anti-ship strikes and antisubmarine warfare, while the Hengyang, a Type 054A guided-missile frigate, is equipped for surveillance, anti-surface, anti-air and anti-submarine operations.

The vessels are named after Nanning, the capital of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, and Hengyang, a major city in Hunan province.

Lesley Liu and Roys Zhang contributed to this story.

gangwen@chinadailyhk.com