Hong Kong students get up close with warships during Chinese naval fleet open day

The missile destroyer Zhanjiang and the missile frigate Yuncheng opened to the public at the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison's naval base in Stonecutters Island on Friday, offering Hong Kong residents a rare chance to step aboard and experience the might of China's modern navy.

The two warships belong to the fleet of the PLA Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong which arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday morning for a five-day visit.

The fleet organized a variety of interactive activities, drawing large crowds eager to witness the country's maritime advancements firsthand.

Legions of students arrived early to queue for entry.

"I'm really excited as I've never been on a warship before. I want to learn more about our navy's development, how it's growing stronger every day, the conditions inside and see how sailors live. After all, I didn't have a chance to visit it before," said a Hong Kong student.

Onboard, naval officers provided detailed explanations of the ships' design, weaponry including main guns and torpedo launchers, and daily operations.

The students lingered around the advanced equipment and spacious interiors.

Among them was Shi Lingchi, a physics PhD student at City University of Hong Kong, whose grandfather served on the older-generation Zhanjiang warship for eight years.

Having grown up listening to his stories, she was deeply moved to have finally stepped aboard the ship's successor.

"My grandfather, now 80, served on the old Zhanjiang ship for eight years. I came today to fulfill his wish as he only served on the old ship and hasn't visited this new version. Just now I saw torpedoes and speedboats. The new generation of weaponry is quite advanced. As a physics major, I hope to contribute to improving our military equipment in the future," she said.

Visitors received scratch cards and guide pamphlets upon entry.

After the tour, they could redeem prizes like naval caps and fridge magnets by revealing hidden words on their scratch cards.

Hong Kong students get up close with warships during Chinese naval fleet open day

China Media Group (CMG) held a symposium in Beijing on Tuesday to mark the 85th anniversary of the founding of the people's radio broadcasting.

Representatives of current and veteran radio hosts, scholars, and audience exchanged views on ways to promote cultural excellence and advance media integration.

The meeting noted that over the past 85 years, the people's radio broadcasting has developed in step with the nation and responded to public expectations.

China has accelerated high-quality development and innovation in radio broadcasting since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in 2012.

In recent years, China has pursued reform and innovation in radio broadcasting within the integrated framework of CMG, which was established in 2018. The sector has achieved a historic leap, featuring enriched content, diversified channels, deepened media convergence, and stronger influence in public opinion.

China commenced the people's radio broadcasting 85 years ago as Yan'an Xinhua Radio Station started broadcasting on Dec 30, 1940. In September 1947, Yan'an Xinhua Radio Station launched its first English program. It moved to Beijing in March 1949 and became a national radio after the founding of the People's Republic of China.

CMG holds symposium to mark 85th anniversary of founding of people's radio broadcasting