Students all fired up by visits to PLA warships

Two People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy ships visiting Hong Kong were thrown open for visits by youth and student groups on Friday. Visitors headed to the PLA Hong Kong Garrison’s naval base on Stonecutters Island – where the guided-missile destroyer Nanning and the guided-missile frigate Hengyang are docked – to explore the decks and cabins and gain an understanding of the vessels’ equipment and weapons' capabilities, such as torpedo launchers. A secondary five student, Wan, said she would share the experience with peers who did not have the opportunity to set foot on the vessels. “As far as I know, many mainland residents don't actually get the chance to board and visit these vessels,” she said. “You can really see that the motherland strongly supports Hong Kong, and also hopes that more young people can learn from this and contribute to the country.” Another student, Yeung, said this was his first time aboard a navy ship even though he has always been interested in national defence and military equipment. “I think [the vessels] show the strengths of the People's Republic of China,” he said. “Our equipment is very advanced and can fend off enemies.” A teacher, Chan, told reporters that her students had been very excited with their closer look at the interior of the warships and that they hoped to board the ships again. Apart from getting tours by navy officers, visitors also got pointers on how the warships' weapons and nautical instruments can be deployed. A Hengyang officer, Yin Jun, said he was happy by the enthusiasm and energy of the young visitors. Asked if he would like to say anything to the SAR’s teenagers, Yin said “I hope they will love Hong Kong and the nation even more in their studies and how they live their lives." The two vessels, which arrived on Thursday for a five-day visit, will be open for public visits this weekend. Edited by Tony Sabine