Two People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy warships docked in Hong Kong this week to mark the 29th anniversary of the city's return to China.
The visit serves as a tool for national-defence education, aiming to strengthen the bond between the public and the military during a significant political milestone.
The guided-missile destroyer Nanning and the guided-missile frigate Hengyang entered Victoria Harbour via Lei Yue Mun before docking at the Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks on Stonecutters Island [1, 4]. The ships remained in port for a five-day call [1].
Thousands of visitors toured the vessels on July 1 and 2 [2, 3]. To manage the crowds, 14,000 free tickets were distributed via WeChat [5]. The event drew a diverse crowd of residents and students who walked the decks of the warships.
"It was amazing to see the ships up close; the whole harbour was full of excitement," a Hong Kong resident said [1].
Students also participated in the tours as part of a broader effort to provide lessons on national defence [3]. One student said, "We were very moved by the sight of the destroyer Nanning and the frigate Hengyang" [1].
During the visits, military personnel shared accounts of the ships' operational history. A PLA Navy officer said the unit evacuated 940 Chinese nationals from Sudan in 2023, describing it as one of the most dramatic missions the unit had undertaken [2].
The open-house event at the barracks coincided with the official anniversary of the handover, which took place on July 1 [2, 4].
“Thousands of visitors toured the vessels on July 1 and 2”
The public opening of the Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks and the deployment of high-profile warships like the Nanning underscore Beijing's ongoing strategy to integrate Hong Kong's civic identity with mainland Chinese military pride. By focusing on 'national-defence education' and highlighting humanitarian missions—such as the Sudan evacuation—the PLA is attempting to project a dual image of strength and benevolence to the local population.
