HONGKONG, May 5 (ChinaMil) -- A Chinese naval fleet made a port call to Hong Kong on April 30 after completing the mission of naval parade marking the 70th founding anniversary of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy and was warmly received by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong residents. The naval fleet consists of the guided-missile destroyer Haikou (Hull 171) and the guided-missile frigate Huangshan (Hull 570).
Nearly one thousand people attended the welcoming ceremony, including Wang Zhimin, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Matthew Cheung, Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Yang Yirui, Deputy Commissioner, Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR, Major General Yao Yongliang, Deputy Political Commissar and Director of the Political Department of the PLA Southern Theater Command, Rear Admiral Li Xiaoyan, Deputy Chief of Staff of the navy under the PLA Southern Theater Command, Major General Chen Daoxiang, Commander of the PLA Garrison in Hong Kong, and Major General Cai Yongzhong, Political Commissar of the PLA Garrison in Hong Kong, as well as representatives from various associations and youth groups.
Captain Wang Xianjun, Commander of the fleet, pointed out in a media interview that currently the PLA Navy has entered the golden age of construction since its founding 70 years ago, and the port call will be presented to Hong Kong residents with brand new features.
After the welcoming ceremony, the guests of honor and representatives of the citizens took a tour of the ships. Chen Daxin, a Hong Kong citizen, said after the tour that he was very impressed with the advanced naval equipment and the vigorous, strong-spirited officers and soldiers. He was proud that the PLA Navy has become stronger and stronger, and grateful to the Navy for consolidating the national defense and safeguarding the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.
During the stay in Hong Kong, the PLA naval vessels were opened to the local communities and youth groups from May 1st to 4th.
It’s reported that since the return of Hong Kong to the motherland, the Chinese naval fleets made port calls to Hong Kong in 2001, 2004, 2009, 2012 and 2017 respectively, during which some ships have been opened for public tours.