PLA Naval Fleet Concludes Hong Kong Stay with Farewell Ceremony

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet, including guided-missile destroyer Nanning and guided-missile frigate Hengyang, departed Hong Kong waters from Stonecutters Island on Monday (July 6), wrapping up the five-day Hong Kong stay.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet, including guided-missile destroyer Nanning and guided-missile frigate Hengyang, departed Hong Kong waters from Stonecutters Island on Monday (July 6), wrapping up the five-day Hong Kong stay. Photo by Bastille Post

At approximately 9:10 a.m., the Hengyang was the first to set sail. To the accompaniment of a military band, representatives of the PLA Army, Navy, and Air Force lined up on shore to bid farewell, while the crew waved from the decks.

Photo by Bastille Post

To the accompaniment of a military band, representatives of the PLA Army, Navy, and Air Force lined up on shore to bid farewell Photo by Bastille Post

Photo by Bastille Post

The crew waved from the decks. Photo by Bastille Post

The fleet had been docked in Hong Kong since July 2, during which time it held various exchange activities and received youth and student representatives. Over the weekend  (July 4 & 5), the vessels opened their doors to some 14,000 residents who had secured online reservations.

At the farewell ceremony, Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr. Chan Kwok-ki, emphasized that the Central Government's arrangements for the Nanning fleet's visit to Hong Kong were a clear demonstration of its deep care and firm support for the city.

Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr. Chan Kwok-ki (second from the right), Photo by Bastille Post

Chan noted that the visit, which coincided with the 29th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR, offered Hong Kong residents an opportunity to see firsthand the nation's independently developed Type 052D guided-missile destroyer, and to experience for themselves the remarkable progress China has made in national defense and military modernization. This, he said, had filled Hong Kong people with pride in the country's growing strength.

He also said that during the fleet's stay, large numbers of Hong Kong and Macao residents from all walks of life had enthusiastically toured the vessels, gaining a close-up appreciation of the Navy's professionalism and capabilities. He was particularly encouraged by the active participation of students and young people, who seized the opportunity to interact and engage with the crew on board. Chan expressed his belief that these young visitors had not only learned about naval technology, but had also experienced firsthand the resilience and sense of duty of the PLA, coming to understand the weight of the responsibility they carry in defending the country.

Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr. Chan Kwok-ki, Photo by Bastille Post

He added that the experience had planted the seeds of patriotism in the hearts of the young generation, transforming national sentiment from an abstract concept into a tangible one, and making the visit a vivid and powerful lesson in love for one's country.

Chan also emphasized that this echoes the speech delivered by General Secretary Xi Jinping at the celebration of the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, stressing that young people are the vital force in realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and should shoulder the responsibilities of the times, integrating their personal pursuits into the overall development of the country. He described the young people who visited the vessels in the past few days as responding to this expectation with practical actions, cultivating their patriotism while experiencing the power of national defense.

Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr. Chan Kwok-ki, Photo by Bastille Post

LegCo member Hon Christine Fong remarked that a sudden downpour in the morning, coupled with strong winds, had soaked many citizens and student representatives who had come to bid farewell, yet their enthusiasm remained undiminished, creating a "very good atmosphere." She added that next year marks the 30th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, and she looked forward to seeing more displays of the nation's strength and scientific progress.

LegCo member Hon Christine Fong, Photo by Bastille Post

Fong also revealed that Hong Kong's first payload specialist, Dr. Lai Ka-ying, will conduct a live broadcast from space with students this year, which she described as a significant step forward for Hong Kong. "Young people in Hong Kong all have a dream: for China's scientific research to reach international standards and even venture into space. I hope there will be more such activities and facilities for the 30th anniversary." She expressed hope that future visits could be extended, noting, "Many citizens want to participate. They all want to take photos with the soldiers and crew, which is a great honor."

Students from Fukien Secondary School (Siu Sai Wan), Wong Ka-lei, Wan Chi-nok, Chan Chun-yeung, and Ng Cheuk-am (from left to right), Photo by Bastille Post

Students from Fukien Secondary School (Siu Sai Wan), Wong Ka-lei, Wan Chi-nok, Chan Chun-yeung, and Ng Cheuk-am, said they felt honored to have boarded the ships and witnessed their departure. Ng expressed reluctance to see the vessels leave. He had toured the warships and listened to the crew share their experiences of life at sea. "I saw that their living conditions on board were quite good. It was a memorable experience," he said. Wan also expressed his reluctance, saying, "There aren't many opportunities to visit warships, and I witnessed the strength of China's technological development."

Chan said opening the warships to the public and witnessing the strength of the motherland was a source of pride. "The warship can accommodate helicopters, and its equipment is very comprehensive." Wong looked forward to the arrival of an aircraft carrier in Hong Kong, saying, "I hope (the aircraft carrier) can come to Hong Kong so I can learn more about it."

Students from Scientia Secondary School, Wang Zixuan, He Yumin, Tan Qianyu (from left to right), Photo by Bastille Post

Wang Zixuan, a student from Scientia Secondary School, hails from Jiaxing, Zhejiang, which is the birthplace of the Communist Party of China. He said he had witnessed history and the development of the motherland, and felt proud and excited. He also expressed hope that an aircraft carrier would visit Hong Kong next year. Student He Yumin had the opportunity to tour the interiors of the warships, witnessing firsthand the crew's working conditions and the vessels' advanced weaponry, including torpedoes. "These are things we don't usually see," he said. "Witnessing the strength of our motherland in science and technology makes me hope that as a student, I can achieve academic success and contribute my strength to the country."

Another student, Tan Qianyu, was deeply impressed by the PLA soldiers' unwavering stance in the rain. "When it rained, we all frantically opened our umbrellas, but the soldiers stood firm. Their disciplined training made us feel very safe."

As the Nanning fleet departed, it conveyed a message of blessing, wishing Hong Kong society stability and prosperity, and all Hong Kong residents happiness and good fortune. Photo by Bastille Post

Photo by Bastille Post

As the Nanning fleet departed, it conveyed a message of blessing, wishing Hong Kong society stability and prosperity, and all Hong Kong residents happiness and good fortune.

During the departure, enthusiastic Hong Kong citizens spontaneously gathered along Victoria Harbour to watch the naval fleet sail away. Photo by Bastille Post

Photo by Bastille Post

During the departure, enthusiastic Hong Kong citizens spontaneously gathered along Victoria Harbour to watch the naval fleet sail away.

The PLA Navy's guided-missile destroyer Nanning and frigate Hengyang opened their decks to the public on July 4 at the Ngong Shuen Chau Naval Base for a two-day visitation program, with access granted to those who had secured online reservations.

The PLA Navy's guided-missile destroyer Nanning and frigate Hengyang opened their decks to the public on July 4 at the Ngong Shuen Chau Naval Base for a two-day visitation program. Photo by Bastille Post

For Petty Officer Chen Yufei of the Nanning and Officer Liang Qiurui of the Hengyang, this visit marks their first time in Hong Kong. Both expressed eagerness to sample local cuisine and take in the city's distinctive character during their stay. Beyond sharing stories of life at sea, they also spoke warmly of the hospitality they had already received from Hong Kong residents.

The PLA Navy's guided-missile destroyer Nanning and frigate Hengyang opened their decks to the public on July 4 at the Ngong Shuen Chau Naval Base for a two-day visitation program. Photo by Bastille Post

Petty Officer Chen Yufei recounted Nanning's participation in the 2023 evacuation of Chinese nationals from Sudan. She described how the crew rehearsed boarding arrangements in advance, dividing the vessel into five zones to accommodate evacuees and preparing meals for them. Her most vivid memory, she said, was watching the evacuees step aboard: "They had traveled long distances in the dust, carrying their luggage and families. Everyone looked at the warship and smiled; some even cried with emotion, thanking us for coming all the way across the ocean to bring them home."

Petty Officer Chen Yufei of the Nanning, Photo by Bastille Post

Speaking of her first impressions of Hong Kong, Chen said she was struck by the city's towering skyline as the vessel docked. "It feels like a very prosperous city," she said. She particularly hopes to visit Tsim Sha Tsui: "There are so many shopping malls and snacks there. I really want to try Hong Kong-style desserts."

Having spent years on overseas missions with the Nanning, Chen acknowledged that life at sea can be challenging. "There's no mobile phone signal or internet at sea," she explained. "It's hard to stay in touch with home, and the homesickness hits especially hard when the work pressure is high." However, she noted that the crewmates supported her, so she rarely feels truly alone. She also observed that men and women serve side by side aboard the ship; while women may have slightly less physical strength, with time and adaptation, they can complete all tasks together.

Officer Liang Qiurui of the Hengyang, Photo by Bastille Post

Officer Liang Qiurui, making his first visit to Hong Kong aboard the Hengyang, described the people of Hong Kong as "very warm and friendly, especially sincere and polite in their interactions." During the vessel's open day, he noted that students had asked the crew about life aboard a warship and at sea, while also expressing admiration for the military. "This activity made us feel that it was very meaningful," he said, "allowing our compatriots in Hong Kong and Macau to gain a more direct and in-depth understanding of the development of national defense and the armed forces in the new era."

Liang said he hopes to slow down and experience Hong Kong's distinctive character, particularly its food, such as the local Cha Chaan Teng. "Whether it's places that carry Chinese cultural traditions or areas full of local life, I want to slow down, walk around, and feel this city that shares our roots," he added.

Visitors queued up to take part in the various military experiences on offer at the activity zones. Photo by Bastille Post

The military band concert at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison Exhibition Centre, Photo by Bastille Post