A People’s Liberation Army Navy task force — comprising guided-missile destroyer CNS Nanning and guided-missile frigate CNS Hengyang — arrived in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour on Thursday on a five-day visit.
Many residents gathered along the waterfront early in the morning to catch a glimpse of the ships, expressing feelings of security and pride in the country’s military strength.
Over the weekend, the warships’ crews will welcome Hong Kong residents aboard for guided tours. The 14,000 free tickets offered online were quickly snapped up within minutes.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, who welcomed the task force at the ceremony on behalf of the special administrative region government and the people of Hong Kong, said that the warships’ arrival highlights the nation’s defense capabilities and maritime responsibilities, which boost residents’ national confidence and pride.
CNS Hengyang and CNS Nanning are docking at the PLA Hong Kong Garrison’s Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks. During the ceremony, sailors waved from the decks as members of the public, student representatives, and a military band greeted them at the pier.
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In a message to the SAR government and residents, the task force conveyed “a deep sense of honor and duty” regarding the upcoming open-day activities among its crew. The crew hopes to strengthen ties with the SAR government and residents, expecting to “write a new chapter for the times together”.
Lee added that the port call — the third of its kind in a year — fully demonstrates the central government’s “great care, support and high regard” for the HKSAR. As Wednesday marked the 29th anniversary of the city’s return to the motherland, Lee said the arrival of the task force carries special meaning.
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He also emphasized that open house events will allow residents to experience the country’s military strength firsthand, while inspiring patriotism among the younger generation and motivating them to contribute to the nation’s rejuvenation.
Among the crowds along the East Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, a resident, who missed out on booking a ticket online, said that the slots were quickly filled.
He recalled the impressive friendliness of the crew during his last visit to a Chinese Navy ship in the city as a primary school student. He said he is particularly eager to see the ship’s artillery equipment, and hopes to learn about the crew’s daily life and experiences at sea.
A mainland student now studying in Hong Kong, surnamed Huang, said he successfully booked a ticket, although his roommate missed out. Huang expressed excitement about seeing Nanning’s deck combat areas, as well as its antisubmarine devices and air defense systems. He said the two warships exemplify the latest advancements in China’s naval equipment, making the tour a rare opportunity.
CNS Nanning is a domestically built Type 052D guided-missile destroyer, which is capable of area air defense, anti-ship strikes, and anti-submarine warfare. According to media reports, it participated in major missions, including escorting the 43rd Chinese naval escort task force in the Gulf of Aden, evacuating Chinese nationals from Sudan, and conducting multinational joint maritime exercises.
CNS Hengyang, a Type 054A Jiangkai-class guided-missile frigate, is equipped for surveillance, antisurface, antiair, and anti-submarine operations. It has also taken part in numerous Chinese naval escort task forces in the Gulf of Aden, as well as major exercises and training missions.
In July 2025, the PLA Navy’s task group, led by China’s first homegrown aircraft carrier Shandong, visited Hong Kong for a historic port call. This was followed by visits from CNS Qi Jiguang and CNS Yimengshan in October as part of the National Day celebrations.
Contact the writer at gangwen@chinadailyhk.com
