PLA Navy Ships Nanning and Hengyang Make Historic First Visit to Hong Kong
Two Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessels—the guided-missile destroyer Nanning and the guided-missile frigate Hengyang—arrived in Hong Kong on Thursday morning for their first-ever visit to the city, marking the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to Chinese rule. The five-day port call, which runs from July 2 to July 6, includes public open days, military demonstrations, and cultural exchange activities, according to Xinhua News Agency.
Arrival and Welcome Ceremony
The naval task force entered Hong Kong waters in the early morning, sailing in column formation through Lei Yue Mun into Victoria Harbour. The ships were escorted by vessels from the Hong Kong SAR government fleet and the PLA Hong Kong Garrison. The Hengyang berthed at Ngong Shuen Chau Naval Base first, followed by the Nanning shortly after.
A formal welcome ceremony followed, during which the national anthem was played. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu delivered a speech welcoming the naval task force on behalf of the SAR government and Hong Kong citizens. Senior officers from the PLA Navy, representatives from central government offices in Hong Kong, and local residents attended the ceremony, as reported by Xinhua.
Chief Executive’s Remarks
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Executive John Lee emphasized the significance of the visit, noting that it followed two similar naval visits in July and October of last year. “With another vessel visiting within a year, this shows how the nation highly values, cares for and supports Hong Kong,” Lee said, according to the South China Morning Post.
Lee described the event as “a lively lesson in patriotism, which will take root and grow in our younger generation’s hearts, inspiring them to contribute more to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”
The Ships: Nanning and Hengyang
The Nanning (pennant number 162) is an improved Type 052D (Luyang III class) guided-missile destroyer, representing China’s most modern destroyer technology. It features advanced air defense and anti-ship missile systems, including a vertical launch system. The ship previously participated in the multinational naval exercise “Peace-23” hosted by Pakistan in February 2023.
The Hengyang (pennant number 568) is a Type 054A (Jiangkai II class) guided-missile frigate, a multi-role vessel designed for anti-submarine warfare and air defense. It is the fifth ship named “Hengyang” in PLA Navy history and has been in service for nearly two decades.
Public Access and Activities
From July 3 to July 5 (Friday through Sunday), the ships will be open to Hong Kong and Macau residents at Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks during daytime hours. A total of 14,000 free tickets were distributed through the WeChat public account “香江砺剑” (Xiangjiang Lijian). The visit program includes ship tours, military experience sessions, training demonstrations, and cultural performances.
According to Xinhua, the visit allows “Hong Kong and Macau compatriots to gain a more intuitive and in-depth understanding of national defense and military construction in the new era.”
Historical and Political Context
The visit comes amid ongoing efforts to strengthen patriotic education in Hong Kong following the implementation of national security legislation. The 2025 handover anniversary saw a larger task force visit, including the aircraft carrier Shandong, marking its first Hong Kong port call. The consistent annual pattern of naval visits suggests this may become a regular feature of Hong Kong’s handover anniversary celebrations.
Regional Coverage and Significance
The event drew coverage from multiple regional media outlets, including Singapore’s Lianhe Zaobao and Hong Kong’s SCMP, reflecting significant regional and local interest. The visit underscores the Chinese central government’s commitment to maintaining a visible military presence in Hong Kong and demonstrating national unity, while the public access component emphasizes soft power projection and public engagement with the PLA.
What to Watch For
As the ships open to the public over the weekend, attention will focus on the level of public turnout and the specific military equipment on display. The visit also raises questions about whether annual naval port calls will become a permanent tradition for Hong Kong’s handover anniversary, and which vessels may be selected for future visits.