People living in Hong Kong and visitors have gathered at the harbor area to greet two PLA Navy ships making a five-day stop at the port of the city as part of events commemorating the transfer of sovereignty.
The missile-frigate Hengyang and the missile-destroyer Nanning entered Hong Kong through Lei Yue Mun and Victoria Harbour early Thursday morning, reaching the Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks at 9 am and 9:40 am respectively.
A military orchestra from the People's Liberation Army started playing festive music as they welcomed the Hengyang, with several officers standing in formation to wave at the vessel. Navy personnel reciprocated by waving from the deck of the arriving frigate.
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Authorities, local council members, and high school students were invited to participate in the event. The students and council members held Chinese and Hong Kong flags as they greeted the Nanning when it arrived at 9:40 am.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu mentioned during a speech at the docks on Stonecutter Island that the visit from a People's Liberation Army naval ship—following two previous visits in July and October last year—demonstrated just how highly the country regarded the city.
"Another ship arriving within a year highlights how the nation greatly appreciates, looks after, and backs Hong Kong," he stated, adding that the visit would showcase the country's military strength and encourage national pride among young people.
This is an energetic class on national pride, which will establish itself and flourish within the hearts of our young people, encouraging them to make greater contributions to the grand revival of the Chinese nation.
Zhou Ji, who leads Beijing's representative office in Hong Kong, Dong Jingwei, chief of Beijing's Office responsible for protecting national security within the city, and Cui Jianchun, commissioner from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs based in Hong Kong, were present at the event.
Subsequently, Lee, along with Security Secretary Chris Tang Ping-keung and Home and Youth Affairs Secretary Alice Mak Mei-kuen, embarked on the Nanning for a short visit.
Local councilor Rizwan Ullah, who attended the event as well, mentioned that the visit offered students an excellent chance to enhance their knowledge of China's military accomplishments.
"Today's visit felt like getting a head start on my learning, so I can pass it on to my students," Ullah, who also serves as a school principal, mentioned.
Hundreds of students were asked to participate in the event. Several mentioned they were impressed by the vessels' scale and expressed interest in discovering more about the nation's military accomplishments through this trip.
Nick Kan Pui-yin, a third-year secondary school student at Heung To Middle School, mentioned how impressive it was to see the naval ships firsthand.
"It's a different kind of education for me. If I were just sitting in a classroom, I couldn't experience these powerful warships from our robust nation," he remarked, expressing his desire to observe radar systems and missiles aboard the vessels.
Kelly Kee, a Grade 12 student at HKFEW Wong Cho Bau Secondary School, mentioned that this was her second opportunity to represent her school in greeting PLA Navy ships arriving in the city.
"The size of these ships is truly impressive when seen up close. It’s quite different from what you see in books or videos," she remarked.
The Chinese defense department stated that the visit of the ships was intended to commemorate the 29th year since the city became part of China again, an event that occurred on July 1.
The Nanning, which became operational in 2021, was sent to Sudan in April 2023 to assist in evacuating hundreds of Chinese residents and international individuals amid the ongoing conflict.
Commissioned in 2008, the Hengyang has been involved in protective operations in the Gulf of Aden and near the Somali coastline throughout the years.
People living in the area and tourists arrived at the East Coast Boardwalk and Tsim Sha Tsui shoreline before dawn to see the two ships arriving in the city.
One of those present was Jason Chan, a 41-year-old office worker, who had been waiting at the Quarry Bay promenade since 6:30 am.
"I didn't wish to miss out. It's not something one encounters frequently, so I arrived ahead of time to secure a favorable position," he mentioned.
Although he couldn't obtain admission passes for the open days, Chan mentioned that he looks forward to observing the "deck facilities, armaments, and the way crew members carry out their duties" up close in the future.
Zhang Yifan, a 29-year-old software developer based in Shenzhen, came to Hong Kong on Wednesday to take part in the commemorative events marking the handover and was also present at the Quarry Bay waterfront.
"I have encountered navy vessels previously, yet never from such proximity in Hong Kong, making it distinctive. As they appeared, one could truly sense their magnitude," he mentioned.
It carried significant meaning. I am honored to have experienced it firsthand... it's an exceptional occasion commemorating [the anniversary of] Hong Kong's reunification with the mainland.
Equipped with photographic equipment, Ling Yuan, a 30-year-old visitor from Sichuan Province in Mainland China, traveled to Hong Kong for the festivities and reached the Tsim Sha Tsui shoreline at 7 am to take an ideal photograph.
"In 2024, I observed warships in Kennedy Town, yet I remain eager to witness them within Victoria Harbour, particularly against the backdrop of towering skyscrapers," he mentioned.
Ling mentioned that the opportunity in Hong Kong was uncommon, since photographing naval ships was not allowed on the Chinese mainland.
A 31-year-old doctoral candidate from Mainland China, Zhang Yutong, reached the same location approximately at 7:30 am.
"Besides the thrill, I experience a strong feeling of pride as my nation has advanced in the military sector, with these warships passing by this significant monument," he mentioned.
A person passionate about the military mentioned that he has been to the base for three straight years and plans to go to the open house event once more this weekend.
"Being a fan, I have a general idea of the gear available, but it's still a special chance. Why not?" he remarked.
Additional pedestrians assembled near the Tsim Sha Tsui shoreline to photograph the naval ships using their mobile devices as the boats passed by, with several individuals enthusiastically waving toward the convoy.
Visitors may tour the destroyer and the frigate from 8:30 AM until 5:30 PM on Thursdays and Fridays at the military base.
The initial group of 14,000 complimentary passes for touring the vessels—available via the PLA Hong Kong Garrison’s WeChat platform until July 2 on a first-arrive, first-served system—were claimed instantly after being made available on June 30.
Because of the ships arriving and leaving next Monday, certain boat trips are being rearranged or canceled.
The affected routes cover services connecting Central with Cheung Chau, Mui Wo, Peng Chau, Yung Shue Wan, Sok Kwu Wan, Discovery Bay, and Ma Wan, along with services linking Ma Wan to Tsuen Wan.
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