In a vibrant show of maritime diplomacy, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy ships Qi Jiguang and Yimengshan set sail from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Friday morning, concluding a three-day series of open ship events. The vessels are headed next to Cambodia, Thailand and Singapore, extending their regional outreach.
The farewell ceremony at the Stonecutters Island Naval Base kicked off at 10 a.m., where the commanding officer of the fleet expressed gratitude to the HKSAR government and residents for their warm support. Decked-out crew members lined the ships, waving enthusiastically as a crowd of residents gathered along Victoria Harbour to bid them goodbye.
Over the course of the visit, more than 20,000 participants from Hong Kong and Macao explored naval-themed activities, including flash mob performances, naval signal demonstrations and hands-on knot-tying workshops. Many attendees said the regular presence of national warships in the HKSAR not only boosts a sense of security but also brings communities closer to the pulse of national celebrations.
This marked the first time the Qi Jiguang and Yimengshan opened their decks to the public in Hong Kong. It also followed a July visit by the fleet led by the aircraft carrier Shandong, making this the second PLA naval event in the HKSAR this year. As these modern vessels chart a course across Southeast Asia, they leave behind memorable moments and a strengthened connection between the navy and the people.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
