To celebrate the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the People's Liberation Army (PLA) stationing in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Garrison of the PLA held an open day event on Saturday and Sunday, inviting Hong Kong residents to visit the barracks in Ngong Shuen Chau, Shek Kong, and San Wai.
A grand flag-raising ceremony was held at Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks on Saturday. As the national anthem played, residents and garrison personnel stood at attention, saluted the national flag and sang the national anthem.
"Hearing the national anthem fills me with pride and honor as a Chinese. Only when the country grows stronger and more prosperous can Hong Kong's future shine brighter," said a Hong Kong resident.
In the weapon and equipment exhibition area, residents observed military vehicles, boarded naval vessels, and tried their hands at simulated shooting under the soldiers' guidance.
A helicopter flight demonstration drew large crowds at the Shek Kong Barracks, with pilots expertly performing stunts such as sharp dives and sudden climbs.
This marks the 35th open day held by the garrison, which has received 930,000 visits over the past 28 years.
PLA Garrison in Hong Kong open barracks to public
Chinese President Xi Jinping awarded Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic the Friendship Medal of the People's Republic of China in Beijing on Monday.
As solemn music played and the golden doors slowly opened, Xi and Vucic entered the hall together, followed by Xi's wife Peng Liyuan and Vucic's wife Tamara Vucic.
Applauding guests rose to their feet, and paid respect to the two heads of state.
A Guard of Honor escorted the Friendship Medal into the hall, and amid solemn music, Xi formally presented the medal to Vucic.
Xi highlighted Vucic's long-standing commitment to advancing China-Serbia friendship and underscored the significance of the honor.
"President Vucic has long stayed committed to China-Serbia friendship, and he has always given China the firmest and clearest support on issues concerning China's core interests and major concerns. He gains the respect from the Chinese people. This medal is not only a high recognition of President Vucic's contributions to bilateral friendship, but also carries the earnest expectations of both peoples for building a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era," Xi said.
The Friendship Medal is China's highest state honor for foreigners, reserved for those who have made outstanding contributions to China's modernization drive, promoting exchange and cooperation between China and the world, and safeguarding world peace.
At the invitation of Xi, Vucic is on a state visit to China from Sunday to Thursday, with this marking his first state visit to China and his ninth trip to the country overall.
Xi awards Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic China's friendship medal
