Nearly 20,000 people in Hong Kong visited a fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by the aircraft carrier Shandong between Friday and Saturday during the carrier's three-day public tour period in the special administrative region.
The carrier, accompanied by the missile destroyers Yan'an and Zhanjiang, as well as the missile frigate Yuncheng, arrived in Hong Kong on Thursday morning for a five-day visit.
The Shandong and the Yan'an were anchored near the west end of the Victoria Harbor, while the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng docked at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base on the Stonecutters Island.
From Friday to Saturday, the fleet hosted various interactive activities, attracting large crowds eager to experience the country's naval capabilities firsthand.
Aboard the carrier, visitors joined crew members in singing "Ode to the Motherland" and "Me and My Motherland", with many inspired by the high sense of patriotism moved to tears.
"The visit of the fleet to Hong Kong demonstrates our country's unwavering determination to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests. This will undoubtedly inspire more Hong Kong compatriots to stand in unity with the motherland, working together to build a thriving Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and contribute to an even stronger, more prosperous and beautiful China," said Ng Ying-pang, a resident.
"Weak countries have no diplomacy, so this showcases the strength of our motherland, which we must support. Hong Kong benefits from the accomplishments of the motherland, so I consider visiting the aircraft carrier Shandong especially meaningful," said Mr. Lui, another resident.
Moreover, on Saturday, over 8,000 people boarded the Zhanjiang and the Yuncheng to explore weaponry such as shipborne helicopters and watch training demonstrations. Diverse interactive activities were arranged on-site, and the crew also distributed souvenirs to the visitors.
"As officers and soldiers of the Hong Kong Garrison, we witnessed the touching moment when Hong Kong residents spontaneously used umbrellas to shield us from the rain during the open camp event. We also saw them waving the national flag alongside the domestically built aircraft carrier, in a romantic style found only in China. This mutual support strengthens our confidence and resolve to safeguard the long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong," said Wang Wenxu, an officer of the garrison.
Nearly 20,000 people visit Chinese naval fleet in Hong Kong
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
