Review: National Security Family Celebrates Return, Hong Kong Ship Shadows Ignite Enthusiasm - Nanning Ship and Hengyang Ship Arrive in Port, Inspiring Patriotism

On July 2, the Chinese Navy's Nanning ship entered the Hong Kong Angchuan Camp. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Zhu Wei

Xinhua News Agency, Hong Kong, July 7 - Title: National Security Celebration for the Return of Hong Kong, Naval Ships Spark Enthusiasm - Nanning and Hengyang Ships Arrive in Hong Kong, Inspiring Patriotism

Xie Niu, Xiao Yichen, Liu Yanming

As the giant ships ride the waves, Hong Kong is once again swept by a wave of excitement. The naval fleet, consisting of the missile destroyer Nanning and the missile frigate Hengyang, arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on the morning of July 2, bringing onboard helicopters and Marine Corps personnel, and opened a series of five-day public visits and cultural exchange activities for the citizens of Hong Kong and Macau.

In recent days, citizens have eagerly boarded the ships for visits, and scenes of deep military-civilian camaraderie have slowly unfolded along the shores of Hong Kong. People from all walks of life expressed that the fleet's arrival is not only a visual feast showcasing the achievements of national military modernization but also powerfully unites Hong Kong and Macau with the motherland in a shared national sentiment.

On July 2, the Chinese Navy fleet arrived in Hong Kong. This is the crew of the Hengyang ship waving in greeting. Photo by Xinhua News Agency (Liang Jiepei)

National Heavyweights Shine in Hong Kong

On the day the fleet arrived, hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong citizens and tourists stopped along both sides of Victoria Harbour to watch, raising their phones to capture the moment. Hong Kong media rushed to report the news, with newspapers such as the Ta Kung Pao, Wen Wei Po, and Hong Kong Commercial Daily extensively covering the fleet's arrival.

On the morning of the open day, the Angchuan Camp dock was bustling with visitors who had come to see the ships, forming orderly and enthusiastic long lines. Mr. Lai, a 70-year-old veteran who has settled in Hong Kong for over 30 years, brought along his yellowed but well-preserved discharge certificate and a sewing kit he used during his service as he boarded the Nanning ship. He said, “Seeing the young soldiers on the warship reminds me of my own youth, as if I were back in my military days. The current naval ships and other military equipment have been upgraded, and our strength is incomparable to the past; I am sincerely proud.”

During the visit, the modern onboard equipment, organized ship layout, and spirited demeanor of the soldiers prompted the audience to give thumbs up repeatedly. Ji Ming, a first-year student from the Hong Kong Educators Association's Huang Chubiao Secondary School, told reporters that this was her second time participating in the country's ship open activities. Last year, she had the fortune to take part in the welcoming ceremony for the Shandong aircraft carrier fleet when it came to Hong Kong. She said, “Seeing the advanced warships of our motherland with my own eyes, I truly understand what a national heavy weapon and maritime defense sword is. The fireworks of Hong Kong, the peace of the prosperous era, are protected by a strong nation.”

The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, John Lee, stated that the arrival of the Nanning ship fleet at this important moment, the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, fully reflects the country's high regard, concern, and support for Hong Kong. The Nanning ship is a missile destroyer independently developed and built by the country and is a mainstay warship in active service, allowing citizens to deeply feel that national security is as solid as a rock. “A strong nation leads to a strong ethnicity; a thriving ethnicity ensures the safety of Hong Kong.”

On July 3, at the Angchuan Camp dock of the stationed troops in Hong Kong, young students visited the Chinese Navy's Nanning ship and took photos. Photo by Xinhua News Agency (Yi Ding)

Deep Military-Civilian Bonds Flow in Hong Kong

Boarding the ship for a visit is a vivid national defense education lesson. On the deck of the Nanning ship, a group of children gathered around the guide, listening intently to the story of the warship's mission to evacuate compatriots from Sudan. In front of the display board of the Hengyang ship, many citizens stopped to take a closer look, as the board showcased precious photos of the ship's missions, including escorting in the Gulf of Aden and participating in Sino-Russian maritime joint exercises. Various cultural performances and interactive exchange projects were held onshore simultaneously, with traditional music performances being melodious and martial arts displays being vigorous, with applause echoing throughout.

Hong Kong Legislative Council member Yao Ming expressed that the excellent equipment on the ship and the spirited demeanor of the soldiers left a deep impression on him. He said that seeing these advanced equipments with his own eyes made him truly feel the achievements of the country's modernization efforts, and everyone has greater confidence in the future of the country and Hong Kong.

On the 4th, Hong Kong singer Chung Ching-tau came to visit the warship and sang classic songs such as “Friends” and “Boundless Oceans Vast Skies” with the citizens present. After visiting the ship, Chung Ching-tau said, “It has been 29 years since Hong Kong returned to the motherland. Watching the country continuously progress gives me a great sense of security as a Hong Kong citizen. Singing for the soldiers who protect the country is an incredibly honorable thing.”

The Quanzhou Youth Federation of Macau and the Jinjiang Youth Federation of Macau organized over 60 members to come to Hong Kong early on the 4th via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge for a ship visit. Group representative Ms. Zhang said that the night before departure, many members continuously shared media reports and videos in the group, unable to hide their excitement. “At the moment I boarded the ship, I was overwhelmed with emotion. The stability of the country ensures the happiness of future generations, and we must cherish it.”

On July 6, the Navy's Nanning ship departed from the Angchuan Camp dock of the stationed troops in Hong Kong. On that day, the naval fleet consisting of the missile destroyer Nanning and the missile frigate Hengyang left Hong Kong. Photo by Xinhua News Agency (Yi Ding)

A Strong Nation and a Strong Military Build a Shared Future

The patriotic fervor sparked by the arrival of the warships has resonated deeply within Hong Kong society. The Hong Kong Wen Wei Po published a commentary on the 3rd, pointing out that at this important moment, the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, the arrival of the People's Liberation Army Navy ships fully reflects the country's high regard and support for Hong Kong, allowing citizens to deeply feel that national security is as solid as a rock, and that the “One Country, Two Systems” in Hong Kong has the most solid guarantee for stability and long-term prosperity. The enthusiastic military-civilian interaction further enhances the sense of national belonging and ethnic pride among Hong Kong citizens, gathering immense wisdom and strength from Hong Kong to better integrate into and serve the national development agenda and contribute to the modernization of the country.

The Director of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government, Kevin Yeung, shared photos from the visit on social media. He stated that the continuous arrival of elite naval fleets in Hong Kong allows citizens to witness the leap in the development of the Chinese Navy's equipment from coastal defense to far-sea escort, and that Hong Kong is indeed deeply favored by the country.

Chen Zhihao, Vice President of the Hong Kong Guangxi Association and a member of the National Youth Federation, expressed that the arrival of naval vessels in Hong Kong again within a year has given citizens a more concrete understanding of the idea that “a strong nation must have a strong military, and a strong military ensures national security,” greatly enhancing the patriotic enthusiasm of Hong Kong citizens and their confidence in the country's military strength.

Mu Jiajun, a teacher at the Hong Kong Peiqiao Secondary School, said that the country's dispatch of warships to Hong Kong extends the classroom of national defense education and national security education beyond the school. Students can not only personally observe the advanced onboard equipment of the People's Liberation Army but also receive on-site explanations from the soldiers after boarding the ship, allowing knowledge and experience to deeply integrate and cultivate the patriotic feelings of the younger generation.

On the morning of the 6th, the fleet slowly sailed away from Victoria Harbour, and the emotions along the shores of Hong Kong continue to resonate. As John Lee stated, the Nanning ship fleet's repeated far-sea missions demonstrate the country's firm determination and strong capability to maintain regional and world peace, making us feel immensely proud. The fleet's open ship visits for citizens serve as a vivid patriotic education lesson, which will surely take root and sprout in the hearts of the younger generation, inspiring them to contribute greater strength to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation in the future.