Residents and tourists have flocked to Hong Kong’s harbourfronts to welcome two People’s Liberation Army (PLA) naval vessels on a five-day port call to the city.
The guided-missile destroyer Nanning and the guided-missile frigate Hengyang sailed into Hong Kong via Lei Yue Mun and Victoria Harbour on Thursday morning, with the ships arriving at Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks at 9am and 9.40am respectively.
A PLA band began to play celebratory music to welcome the Hengyang’s arrival at 9am, with dozens of officers waving in formation to greet the frigate. Naval officers in turn waved back from the decks of the frigate as it docked at the barracks.
Officials, district councillors and secondary school students were invited to attend the welcome ceremony. The students and district councillors waved miniature national and Hong Kong flags to welcome the Nanning’s arrival at 9.40 am.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said in a speech during a welcome ceremony at the barracks’ docks that the PLA vessel port call – coming on the back of two visits in July and October last year – showed how much the nation valued the city.
“With another vessel visiting within a year, this shows how the nation highly values, cares for and supports Hong Kong,” he said, noting that the visit would demonstrate the country’s defence prowess and foster patriotism among youngsters as they interacted with soldiers.
“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,” Lee said.