PLA Naval Ships Nanning, Hengyang Arrive in Hong Kong, Sparking National Pride of Local Residents

A fleet consisting of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy guided-missile destroyer Nanning and guided-missile frigate Hengyang arrived in Hong Kong on July 2 for a five-day visit. During the stay, the fleet will host a series of exchange activities, including ship open days, military experience sessions and professional training demonstrations, enabling Hong Kong and Macao residents to gain in-depth insights into the development of China’s national defense and armed forces in the new era.

The guided-missile destroyer Nanning, Photo by Bastille Post

The guided-missile frigate Hengyang, Photo by Bastille Post

Speaking on the occasion of the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, the fleet said it was a great honour for all officers and soldiers to organise open days and cultural exchange activities in Hong Kong. They expressed their hope to strengthen the bond between the military and the people and to write a new chapter of shared history with the Hong Kong SAR Government and its citizens.

The stirring music performed by the military band, Photo by Bastille Post

A welcome ceremony was held on-site by the PLA Hong Kong Garrison on the morning of the arrival. Accompanied by stirring music performed by a military band, the two PLA naval ships were fully dressed with colorful signal flags, rendering the highest traditional naval honours.

The two PLA naval ships were fully dressed with colorful signal flags, rendering the highest traditional naval honours. Photo by Bastille Post

Photo by Bastille Post

At the ceremony, Chief Executive John Lee noted that this year marks both the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the 29th anniversary of HKSAR's establishment. Against this significant historical backdrop, the visit of the fleet carries profound implications in three key aspects.

Chief Executive John Lee, Photo by Bastille Post

First, the visit fully demonstrates China’s national defense technological prowess and the fruitful achievements of national defense and military modernization in the new era, bolstering public national confidence and allowing the public to witness the strength of China’s independent innovation in defense science and technology at first hand.

Second, it embodies China’s commitment to maritime security and global responsibility. Since its commissioning five years ago, the Nanning has undertaken a host of major missions, including escort operations in the Gulf of Aden, the evacuation of Chinese citizens from Sudan, multinational maritime exercises, and routine combat readiness patrols, with a total voyage exceeding 200,000 nautical miles. These long-distance maritime missions illustrate China’s firm resolve and robust capability to safeguard regional and global peace and stability.

Third, the visit serves as a vivid national defense education platform for the young generation to experience the strength of China’s military and foster patriotism. Through face-to-face interactions and exchanges with military officers and soldiers, the Hong Kong youth can learn about the military’s fine traditions of discipline, perseverance, patriotism and dedication, inspiring them to contribute to the great rejuvenation of the country in the future.

Lieutenant Colonel Lei Xiao of the Nanning fleet, Photo by Bastille Post

Lieutenant Colonel Lei Xiao of the Nanning fleet said the warm welcome from the public made him deeply feel the sincere bond between the military and the people, and such public enthusiasm will be transformed into strong impetus for building a stronger military. He introduced that the ship open days feature a full range of navy-themed activities and displays, including naval signal communication and flag semaphore demonstrations, firearm exhibitions, and naval knot-tying training, showcasing distinctive naval characteristics.

Teachers and students attending the opening-day welcome ceremony expressed awe at the close-up view of the PLA naval ships and pride in the country’s military development.

Chan Siu Man (left), Yeung Shun (right), Photo by Bastille Post

Chan Siu Man, a student from Fukien Secondary School, said he felt immense pride and honor to see domestically developed and manufactured warships, which allowed him to truly perceive the strength of China’s military and the importance the country attaches to Hong Kong. "I feel very proud and honoured that these two warships were developed and manufactured by our country. It shows the strength of our military and the importance it attaches to Hong Kong," he said.

Yeung Shun, his classmate, added: "I've seen them on TV before, but when these warships actually appeared in front of me, the feeling was truly different and truly special." During the interview, he laughed, saying that the two of them were so excited the night before that they couldn't sleep. "We couldn't sleep, just like primary school students before a field trip. I was so happy to see these warships in front of me."

Cheung Hoi Ching, Photo by Bastille Post

Cheung Hoi Ching, a student from Pui Kiu Middle School, said: "I'm very curious. I want to see what the gun emplacements look like and how they feel. China didn't have such advanced equipment when it was under pressure and was even ridiculed by foreign countries. Now China is making more and more progress, and its military strength is gradually increasing. I'm deeply moved."

Lee Yau Wai, Photo by Bastille Post

Lee Yau Wai, another student from Pui Kiu Middle School, described the warship as "magnificent." Although it looked huge from afar, standing before it was still awe‑inspiring. "It gives me a sense of security," he said. He was particularly interested in the artillery launching system, "wanting to know its range and power."

Ms Tsang, Photo by Bastille Post

Ms Tsang, a teacher from Heung To Secondary School in Kowloon, noted that students have the opportunity to learn firsthand about the country's achievements in military construction and defence, strengthening their sense of national belonging. She also pointed out that the Nanning participated in the evacuation of Chinese citizens from Sudan, including two Hong Kong residents. "The evacuation operation ensured the safe return of our citizens to their homes, and made everyone realise that only with national security can there be family safety," she said.

I&T leadership series thematic seminar held to promote co-creation of quality public services by leveraging power of AI ecosystem

The Digital Policy Office (DPO) and the Civil Service College (CSC) jointly held the fourth Innovation and Technology (I&T) leadership series thematic seminar today (July 2). Under the theme "Leveraging the Power of AI Ecosystem to Cocreate Quality Public Services", the seminar was attended by over 100 directorate and senior-level civil servants from various bureaux/departments (B/Ds).

The seminar brought together experts from the technology sector, including the Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, Dr Rocky Cheng; the Chief Information Officer of MTR Corporation Limited, Mr Wan Wai-yin; and the Vice President of Strategic Development of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence Group, Ms Amy Lau, for a dialogue to jointly explore how the local AI ecosystem can bridge government operations and practical needs. They also shared insights on corporate culture and mindset change, success factors for business and technology synergy, as well as the challenges and response strategies in AI adoption, along with real-life cases for experience sharing. The experts' sharing and interactive discussion inspired participants to strategically lead their departments in leveraging the AI ecosystem and industry innovations more effectively, thereby advancing further towards smart government.

The Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Daniel Cheung, shared at the seminar that the Government's multi-pronged approach in fostering the local AI ecosystem across various dimensions, such as policy governance, capability building, data, infrastructure and platform development, underpins the smart transformation of society. This includes a range of measures in place to support departments in leveraging AI to accelerate digital transformation, and provision of application development platforms and components to facilitate departments to design suitable agentic AI application scenarios, aimed to optimise daily operations and enhance administrative efficiency through harnessing AI technology.

As one of the strategies to accelerate the development of digital government and lead public service innovation, the DPO and the CSC regularly co-organise thematic seminars and training to enhance the core skills of the Government's senior management in using digital technology, with a view to promoting more effective use of technology by B/Ds in driving digital transformation to improve the efficacy and quality of public services.

I&T leadership series thematic seminar held to promote co-creation of quality public services by leveraging power of AI ecosystem Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

I&T leadership series thematic seminar held to promote co-creation of quality public services by leveraging power of AI ecosystem Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

I&T leadership series thematic seminar held to promote co-creation of quality public services by leveraging power of AI ecosystem Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

I&T leadership series thematic seminar held to promote co-creation of quality public services by leveraging power of AI ecosystem Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases