Onlookers have gathered on both sides of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour to welcome two People’s Liberation Army (PLA) naval vessels that sailed into the city’s waters for a four-day port call as part of National Day celebrations.
Training vessel Qi Jiguang and amphibious landing ship Yimeng Shan arrived at around 7am on Tuesday via Tathong Channel in the eastern seawater area, guided by local marine police vessels and the PLA Hong Kong garrison’s guided-missile frigate Suqian, hull number 666.
The fleet then sailed past the Lei Yue Mun Channel and Victoria Harbour, reaching the waters off Central at around 8.45am, before heading to Ngong Shuen Chau Naval Base.
Both warships bore patriotic slogans such as “loving people, protecting Hong Kong, fulfilling original aspirations” and “shouldering the mission, striving to be powerful on the sea”.
Dozens of navy personnel in white uniforms were seen standing in line on the deck as the warships entered the city.
At 9am, the Government Flying Service also conducted a formation fly-past above the harbour, carrying national and city flags, as part of the National Day celebration activities.
