HKCT Youth Visit PLA Navy's Nanning and Hengyang Warships
Witnessing the Power of the "10,000-Round CIWS" Firsthand and Understanding How National Defence Safeguards Peace
As Hong Kong celebrates the 29th anniversary of its return to the motherland, the visit of the PLA Navy task group consisting of CNS Nanning and CNS Hengyang has sparked widespread public interest in national defence technology and patriotism. Today, HKCT organised a delegation of 12 students to board and tour the vessels.
The visit forms part of HKCT's ongoing patriotic education initiatives. It follows previous student visits to major national defence assets and facilities, including CNS Shandong, CNS Hainan, CNS Qi Jiguang, CNS Yimengshan, and the three PLA Hong Kong Garrison Barracks. Through close-up encounters with some of the nation's most advanced military equipment, students broadened their horizons and gained a deeper appreciation of how a strong national defence contributes to security, stability and national pride.
Up-close Encounter with the "Shield of Defence": Witnessing Naval Strength and Understanding the Foundation of Peace
Among the highlights of the visit was the opportunity to observe at close range the 11-barrel 30mm Close-In Weapon System (CIWS), commonly nicknamed the "10,000-Round Gun," together with the warship's vertical launch system.
For many students, the sight of these advanced defence systems was both impressive and inspiring. Serving as a formidable maritime shield, these state-of-the-art technologies not only demonstrated the country's remarkable progress in military modernisation, but also conveyed a profound message to the younger generation: a strong military is not built for expansion, but serves as a crucial safeguard for peace.
The visits of PLA Navy vessels to Hong Kong in recent years have given members of the public a valuable opportunity to witness the nation's development and the rapid advancement of its naval capabilities. At the same time, they have reinforced an important understanding that peace is best protected through strength. Only with a robust national defence can the security of the nation's waters and the continued prosperity and stability of Hong Kong be fundamentally safeguarded.
Frontline Guardians Inspire Students to Turn Security and Confidence into Motivation for Self-improvement
The combination of the warships' formidable presence and their role as protectors of peace left a strong impression on the participating HKCT students.
A student enrolled in the Diploma of Applied Education (Preparation for Police Force Training), expressed excitement after seeing the vessel's weapons systems and military equipment up close. She said that personally handling and observing the precision-engineered equipment enabled her to experience the strength of the nation's defence capabilities first-hand, filling her with a strong sense of pride.
A member of the HKCT Flag Guard Team was particularly inspired by the sight of the destroyer that had previously undertaken escort missions in the Gulf of Aden. He said the presence of frontline naval vessels in Victoria Harbour gave Hong Kong residents a strong sense of security, and pledged to remember his responsibilities while continuing to strive for excellence in his studies and personal development.
A student studying Aviation Services said the experience transformed his sense of awe into a deeper awareness of the responsibilities of young people. He remarked that Hong Kong's youth should cherish the peace and opportunities made possible by the country's development and strength, and contribute actively to building a better future for Hong Kong with the support of the nation.
Experiencing National Defence First-hand Deepens Patriotism and National Identity
HKCT has long been committed to promoting patriotic education and providing students with high-quality opportunities to learn about national defence through experiential activities.The College will continue to organise a diverse range of exploration and exchange programmes, enabling young people to develop a deeper sense of national identity through first-hand experiences that combine knowledge and practice. By transforming pride into motivation for continuous self-improvement, HKCT aims to nurture future generations who are ready to embrace responsibility and contribute to the nation's development and Hong Kong's future.
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