On the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the People’s Republic of China, a naval fleet comprising the missile destroyer Nanning and the missile frigate Hengyang arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on the morning of July 2, accompanied by helicopter and ground troops. The five-day series of open tours and cultural exchange activities began. The Hong Kong SAR government held a welcome ceremony for the naval fleet at the Angshengzhou Military Barracks. That evening, the fleet held a deck reception on the Nanning.

At around 7:00 on the 2nd, the formation entered Victoria Harbour in a columnar formation, escorted by vessels from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government fleet and naval vessels of the Hong Kong garrison. At around 10:00, the Hengyang and Nanning ships docked one after another. Representatives of the Navy of the Southern Theater Command, relevant leaders and officers of the formation, and personnel boarded the ship at the Camp Au Cheuk Chau dock. Leaders from relevant departments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and central agencies in Hong Kong, representatives of the Hong Kong garrison, Hong Kong citizens and young people, and others gathered at the scene to welcome them.

This marks the first time the Nanning and Hengyang ships have arrived in Hong Kong. From the 3rd to the 5th, the Nanning and Hengyang ships will be open to the public in Hong Kong and Macau, including civilians, young students, and others, at the anchorage wharf of the Ang Chengzhou Military Camp. They will also conduct interactive activities such as military experiences, training demonstrations, and cultural performances, allowing Hong Kong and Macau compatriots to gain a more tangible and in-depth understanding of the developments in national defense and military construction in the new era.

As the sun began to set, the gentle sea breeze blew over Victoria Harbour. The Nanning ship proudly displayed its full-mast flag. On the flight deck, the themed backdrop featuring the slogan “Unity in Action, Creating a Shared Future” stood out brightly. Throughout the ship, there was an atmosphere of peace and warmth.

At around 7 p.m., accompanied by melodious welcoming music, the invited guests began to step onto the gangway one by one, marking the start of the deck reception. The leaders of the Southern Theater Command delivered a speech, extending a warm welcome and greetings to the various sectors of Hong Kong society that have long supported national defense and military development. They praised the achievements made in various fields in Hong Kong and expressed the People’s Liberation Army’s unwavering support for Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability. At the conclusion of the reception, the entire audience sang “Tomorrow Will Be Better” together, showcasing the sincere sentiments of the Chinese people who care deeply about their homeland and strive to build a brighter future together.

Prior to the start of the reception, the invited guests visited parts of the equipment and facilities on board the ships Nanning and Hengyang to gain an understanding of the basic situation of the formation and to experience firsthand the achievements of national defense and military development in the new era. (Looking into the New Era)