PLA navy vessels end 5-day port call to HK; Eric Chan commends visits

The PLA navy vessels Nanning and Hengyang wrapped up their five-day port call to Hong Kong and departed Monday morning.

Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan says the visits and activities offer young people the chance to learn more about the nation's defence and military capabilities.

It is the two warships' last day of visit. And the PLA Hong Kong Garrison held a farewell ceremony for them.

At Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks, the military band played ceremonial music and soldiers waved goodbye, while aboard the vessels, sailors also lined the deck and waved back to the shore.

Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan attended the ceremony and shook hands with the soldiers of the Nanning to bid them farewell.

In his address, Chan says it is especially encouraging that the younger generation actively seize the opportunities to interact with the sailors aboard.

At the barracks, passing rain showers fail to dampen the public's enthusiasm for seeing off the fleet.

CHAN FAYE, Student representative: "Yes, it's meaningful, definitely. I'm really proud of my country. The equipments are all invented by our own country, and a reliable force guiding us fills me with a strong sense of security as a Hongkonger."

The five-day activity drew over 30,000 visitors from Hong Kong and Macau.

Since Hong Kong's reunification, PLA navy ships have been here multiple times, and this marks the third consecutive year they dock in Hong Kong.