Shower of praise as warships end five-day visit

Two vessels of the People's Liberation Army Navy concluded a five-day visit to Hong Kong on Monday with their officers leaving students with a memorable impression as rain fell.

At a farewell ceremony held at the PLA Naval Base on Stonecutters Island, Chief Secretary Eric Chan said that as the two warships had been built domestically, they gave people in Hong Kong a valuable glimpse of the nation's defence and military capabilities.

Many students and young people, he said, seized the chance to learn more from officers of the two vessels – guided-missile destroyer Nanning and guided-missile frigate Hengyang – through exchanges.

"Not only did they learn more about naval technology, but they also got an appreciation of the officers’ resilience and sense of responsibility, especially that of the need to protect home and country," Chan said.

"Such an experience plants the seed of patriotism deep down in the heart of young people, making patriotism no longer an abstract concept."

Secondary five student Koko Tong was among those bidding farewell to the two warships.

She hopes the nation would continue to prosper and that the SAR would have a better tomorrow.

“I was really moved. I believe everyone is very proud of the nation – seeing such huge navy ships and officers here bidding farewell to us,” Tong said.

“It was raining just now, but the officers continued to stand at attention without any change in their postures.”

This, Tong added, made an impact on her and her peers, who were a bit flustered initially by the change in the weather.

Another student, Gigi Chan, said she hoped that next year, when the SAR celebrates the 30th anniversary of its establishment, the air force and army could join the navy in coming to Hong Kong to give people a sense of their capabilities as well.

That, she said, would be an eye-opener and let people know more about the motherland’s military development.

The visit by the two warships was part of celebrations marking the 29th anniversary of the establishment of the SAR, which Eric Chan said fully reflected the nation’s profound care and staunch support for Hong Kong.

A total of 14,000 people boarded the Nanning and Hengyang when they were opened up for public visits during the weekend.

Edited by Tony Sabine ...