Students attend the graduation day of the Summer Camp of the People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison at San Wai Barracks, July 29, 2018. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG - The 16th Hong Kong Youth Military Summer Camp kicked off Saturday with a ceremony at San Wai Barracks of the Hong Kong Garrison of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).

Teenagers from over 100 schools in Hong Kong arrived with high spirits and lined up in an orderly fashion to begin their military camp life. At the opening ceremony, the Chinese national flag was raised, as they stood solemnly and sang China's national anthem together with the officers and soldiers of the PLA.

The theme of this year's camp is patriotism and national defense education

The theme of this year's camp is patriotism and national defense education. The Hong Kong garrison highlights the characteristics of military culture and addresses the practical needs of Hong Kong's youth.

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Activities will include military training, educational lectures, visits and learning, and a series of other events that allow the teenagers to gain an understanding of the country's situation and national defense knowledge. The camp also aims to cultivate their discipline and self-control, unity and cooperation, as well as their hardworking spirit.