PLA Navy Ships Inspire Patriotism in Hong Kong Youth

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy formation, comprising the Hainan and the Changsha, concluded its visit to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Monday. During their stay, the troops organized national defense lectures for Hong Kong youth, inspiring patriotism among the youngsters, according to PLA Daily.

The formation set sail back to its military port in Zhanjiang, South China's Guangdong Province on Monday afternoon. A farewell ceremony was held at Ngong Shuen Chau port in Hong Kong, with approximately 15,000 visitors having boarded the ships during open-day activities.

The national defense lectures on Sunday reflected on the PLA Navy's 75 years of development. Over 200 students attended a lecture on the Navy's achievements, with one student remarking, "The more I hear, the prouder I feel. I was so excited about the visit and rushed over to take a photo with the warships of our motherland."

The mother of another student expressed her hope that her son, raised in Hong Kong, would learn more about the development of the motherland and foster a greater sense of pride in his identity as a Chinese national.

This five-day visit, from November 21 to 25, marked the first time the Type 075 amphibious assault ship, the Hainan, was open to the public. The ships welcomed citizens from Hong Kong and Macao, including young students, various groups, and primary level troops from the PLA's Hong Kong and Macao garrisons.

Military expert Zhang Junshe believes the visit demonstrates the great importance the motherland attaches to its compatriots in Hong Kong and Macao. He sees it as a meaningful patriotic initiative to strengthen ties between the mainland and Hong Kong.

The public expressed interest in future visits from warships, including the Type 055 destroyers and China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian. Zhang believes such visits are likely, with the Fujian eventually being opened to the public. The PLA Navy's commitment to openness suggests that more prominent ships may visit Hong Kong in the future.