PLA vessels' in HK invite students on board

The People's Liberation Army's Navy vessels Nanning and Hengyang are in Hong Kong for the second day of their five-day port call. The ships invited Hong Kong students to visit this morning.

Guided-missile destroyer Nanning and guided-missile frigate Hengyang were docked at the Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks of the People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison.

Students boarded Nanning, witnessed the various weapons on board. Domestically designed and built with hull number 162, Nanning is capable of performing regional air defence and maritime assault missions.

The guided-missile frigate Hengyang with hull number 568 is also opened to youth groups.

GABBIE MA: "I feel very happy and very excited, because boarding a warship is so mysterious for us. And today I have the chance to be here. It's actually the fist time for me to be here, and I take a lot of pictures, no matter with the soldiers, or with the warships. I feel very happy, and I love the view here and the vibe here."

Some naval officers came to Hong Kong with a warship for the first time. The Hengyang Petty Officer Yin Jun says it's great to see the students' vibrant energy, and hopes the port call helps boost young people's patriotism.

The Nanning's naval officer Chen Jindang says they hope the battleship port call in Hong Kong allows more in-depth exchanges between the PLA and the locals.

Both warships have carried out escort missions in the Somali waters of the Gulf of Aden.

All displayed naval ships have each visited more than ten countries. Here in Hong Kong, the ships have guided tours provided onboard.

The ships are open to the public with reservations for Saturday and Sunday.