PLA warships’ Hong Kong port call highlights nation’s support

Regular visits from Chinese naval vessels also signal the city’s responsibility to protect sovereignty and fortify a sense of national identity

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People pose for pictures with two PLA Navy vessels at Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks on July 4. Photo: Elson Li

SCMP Editorial

Editorials represent the views of the South China Morning Post on the issues of the day.

Published: 7:15am, 6 Jul 2026

The PLA Navy’s growing profile on the high seas enhances a sense of security during troubled times. In peaceful times, a friendly port call by modern Chinese warships can enhance a sense of patriotism and pride. A case in point has been the goodwill visit to Hong Kong by the guided-missile frigate Hengyang and the guided-missile destroyer Nanning as part of celebrations marking the 29th anniversary of the city’s return to Chinese rule.

Spectators lined the harbourfront to welcome the two vessels. Over the weekend thousands of residents, including many children, flocked to the Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks where the ships docked. Many had guided tours of the Nanning. Select students were invited to tour the vessels earlier in the week. The public tour was enlivened by an officer’s account of the emergency evacuation by the Nanning and a supply ship of nearly 1,000 Chinese nationals and hundreds of foreigners during the Sundanese civil war in 2023 – a humanitarian expression of preparedness.

A ceremonial welcome was symbolic of the occasion, attended by officials, district councillors and secondary school students. A welcoming speech by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu reflected on what set the port call apart. He said that on the back of visits by warships in July and October last year, it showed how much the nation valued the city.

“With another vessel visiting within a year, this shows how the nation highly values, cares for and supports Hong Kong,” he said, adding that the visit would demonstrate the country’s defence prowess and foster patriotism among youngsters.

PLA warships’ Hong Kong port call highlights nation’s support

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Regular visits from Chinese naval vessels also signal the city’s responsibility to protect sovereignty and fortify a sense of national identity

Regular visits from Chinese naval vessels also signal the city’s responsibility to protect sovereignty and fortify a sense of national identity