PLA navy fleet in HK for a 5-day visit

Hong Kong celebrated the 29th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland with a significant visit on Thursday by a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet.

The fleet consists of guided-missile destroyer Nanning and guided-missile frigate Hengyang, along with ship-borne helicopters and marines. It sailed into SAR waters Thursday morning for a five-day visit, featuring open-house events and cultural exchange activities.

The SAR government held a welcome ceremony for the fleet at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's naval base on Stonecutters Island.

The fleet sailed into Victoria Harbour in column formation at around 7 a.m. local time, escorted by vessels from the HKSAR government Fleet and the PLA Hong Kong Garrison, before mooring at approximately 10 a.m. Senior officers of the PLA Navy and the visiting fleet, alongside crew representatives, disembarked and received a warm welcome extended by officials from the offices of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, representatives of the PLA Hong Kong Garrison, local residents and young students.

The opening ceremony kicked off with the playing of the national anthem, after which HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee delivered a welcoming address. The officials and representatives then boarded the naval vessels for a tour.

This marks the maiden Hong Kong call for both Nanning and Hengyang. The two naval ships will open to Hong Kong and Macao residents and students from Friday through Sunday, enabling compatriots to gain first-hand insight into advances in China's new-era national defense and military modernization.