Hongkongers have snapped up the first batch of free tickets to visit two PLA naval ships within minutes of their release for a weekend port call in the city.
A South China Morning Post reporter observed that the initial batch was gone within four minutes after being released at 10am on Tuesday.
On Monday, China’s Ministry of National Defence said a People’s Liberation Army naval task group would visit Hong Kong waters from Thursday to next Monday to mark the 29th anniversary of the city’s return to Chinese rule on July 1.
The guided-missile destroyer Nanning and the guided-missile frigate Hengyang will be open to the public, with visits taking place at Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks between 8.30am and 5.30pm on July 4 and 5.
The PLA will distribute 14,000 free tickets through its WeChat account at 10am, 3pm and 8pm from June 30 to July 2, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Open days and cultural exchange activities will also be held during the port call to give residents a closer look at the country’s national defence development, according to the ministry.