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Lam Ka-sing

Hong Kong students gained new insights about the country’s military as they visited two PLA Navy warships moored at the Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks on Friday.
They toured the guided-missile destroyer Nanning and the guided-missile frigate Hengyang, which arrived for a five-day port call that started on Thursday.
The ships are visiting as part of the 29th anniversary celebrations of the city’s return to Chinese sovereignty on July 1.
Pui Kiu College student Jas Xu said stepping into the ship cabins at Stonecutters Island and observing the interior weapon controls for the first time left a profound visual impression.
He added that the tour had helped nurture his interest in military affairs.
“I feel that the cannon is quite special, because it is my first time seeing such a large cannon,” the student said.
Lingnan University student Savio Law visited the vessels with the Hong Kong Army Cadets Association after the group received tickets arranged by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau.

Law said inspecting the warships had been educational and had served as a visual reminder of the nation’s strength.
He added that he realised the vessels’ shipborne helicopters had technical variations between them.
“After touring the helicopters of both warships, only then did I discover that although the helicopters of the two warships look very similar in appearance and model, they are actually different models,” Law said.
Vernon Ho, a master’s graduate from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said such open days allowed young people to learn about nautical technology and the country’s mature defence capabilities.
Ho, who toured the vessels through the bureau’s Youth Link scheme, noted that the Nanning had evacuated mainland Chinese citizens and Hong Kong residents from Sudan during the country’s civil war in 2023.
“I actually feel very moved, and it also represents the country’s care for Hong Kong citizens,” Ho said.

A St Joseph’s College vice-principal, who gave his surname as Szeto, said visiting the warships allowed students to understand how national and military security were intertwined with daily life.
He added that local media outlets rarely reported extensively on military developments, making the tour an essential educational opportunity for young people.
“We really want to cultivate students’ understanding of the country’s latest military developments,” Szeto said. “As many students are visiting the Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks for the first time, they are very excited.”
The warships are equipped with advanced maritime weaponry and hardware, including a 130mm automated dual-purpose naval gun with a firing range exceeding 25km (16 miles), an 11-barrel 30mm close-in weapon system and vertical launch systems for anti-air and anti-ship missiles.
The destroyer also boasts a phased array radar capable of tracking airborne targets more than 400km away, while the decks of both vessels carry naval helicopters.
Along the dock, interactive booths featured displays of flag signals, knot tying, firefighting gear, nautical instruments and firearms.
Lok Sin Tong Lau Tak Primary School teacher Victor Lee pointed out that young children needed experiences that went beyond electronic books and artificial intelligence simulations to comprehend the huge scale of a naval fleet.
Lee said that managing Primary Two pupils during a visit to a military facility meant setting strict rules and teaching discipline.
“When arriving here, this is not a park, this is not a theme park, this is a barracks,” he said.

A Pui Kiu College teacher surnamed Dong said the school’s geography lessons involved maritime security and coastlines, but touring the ships helped students to truly understand national security and the country’s military strength.
She added that naval personnel were amiable and approachable, sparking intense student curiosity.
“What is learned from paper always feels shallow, and to know this matter one must experience it personally,” Dong said.
Yin Jun, a petty officer aboard the Hengyang, said the ship had completed missions in the Gulf of Aden and frequently escorted Hong Kong ships.
He said that the crew members were excited when they saw commercial vessels flying national flags alongside banners bearing slogans.
“As the future of the motherland, we hope they will love Hong Kong and love the country even more in their future studies and life,” Yin said.
Chen Jindang, an officer with the Nanning, said the visit was his first chance to experience the city as a regional hub and explore the local cuisine.
“In the future, we also hope that Hongkongers will have the opportunity to come to the mainland to take a good look at the wonderful rivers and mountains of our motherland,” Chen said.


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Hong Kong students tour PLA Navy warships for lesson on national defence

Students tour the deck of the Nanning on Friday. Photo: Elson Li

Lingnan University student Savio Law said the tour served as a visual reminder of the nation’s strength. Photo: Lam Ka-sing

A pupil looks down the sights of a gun during his field trip. Photo: Elson Li

Chen Jindang, an officer with the Nanning, said he hopes “Hongkongers will have the opportunity to come to the mainland to take a good look at the wonderful rivers and mountains of our motherland”. Photo: Elson Li

PLA Navy officers take pictures for pupils during a tour. Photo: Elson Li

Residents, visitors flock to waterfront as PLA Navy ships sail into Hong Kong

The destroyer Nanning sails through Victoria Harbour at the start of a five-day port call. Photo: Robert Ng

The PLA guided-missile frigate Hengyang arrives in Victoria Harbour on Thursday morning. Photo: Jelly Tse

Residents and the media at the Cultural Centre observation deck in Tsim Sha Tsui capturing shots of the approaching PLA vessels. Photo: Jelly Tse

A couple take a selfie at the Sai Wan Ho promenade, with the guided-missile destroyer Nanning in the background. Photo: Karma Lo

PLA Navy officers wave from the guided-missile frigate Hengyang. Photo: Elson Li

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The guided missile destroyer Nanning is one of two ships that will visit Hong Kong. Photo: Xinhua

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Students describe being ‘very moved’ by sight of destroyer Nanning and frigate Hengyang moored at Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks


Students describe being ‘very moved’ by sight of destroyer Nanning and frigate Hengyang moored at Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks.


Hong Kong students tour PLA Navy warships for lesson on national defence

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Students describe being ‘very moved’ by sight of destroyer Nanning and frigate Hengyang moored at Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks

Students describe being ‘very moved’ by sight of destroyer Nanning and frigate Hengyang moored at Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks