PLA Navy officer recalls dramatic Sudan evacuation at Hong Kong barracks open day
Visitors receive first-hand account of mission to take 940 Chinese nationals, including two Hongkongers, to safety during civil war in 2023
A PLA Navy officer who helped evacuate hundreds of Chinese nationals during the Sudanese civil war has recounted that many burst into tears upon arriving at the ship, telling visitors at a barracks open day in Hong Kong the experience had left an indelible mark.
The mission was carried out by the guided-missile destroyer Nanning, which along with the guided-missile frigate Hengyang, is making a five-day port call as part of celebrations marking the 29th anniversary of the city’s return to Chinese rule.
Thousands of residents on Saturday flocked to the Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks where the ships are docked on the first of two open days. Select students were invited to tour the vessels earlier in the week.
Petty Officer Chen Yufei recounted the People’s Liberation Army mission to evacuate 940 Chinese nationals, including two Hongkongers, and hundreds of foreigners from Port Sudan during the civil war in April 2023, using the Nanning and Weishanhu supply ship.
Chen said the Nanning began preparing for the operation within hours of receiving the order and rehearsed how to get the people on board safely.
“The ship was divided into five areas and the civilians were assigned to their own cabins, and we provided meals and late-night snacks,” she said.