Shandong's visit a ‘patriotic lesson', Eric Chan says as Chinese warships depart Hong Kong
During his speech on Monday, Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki said the port call, which was part of the celebration marking the 28th anniversary of the city's handover to China, had demonstrated the country's care and staunch support for the city.
'[It] gives Hong Kong residents a precious opportunity to see with their own eyes the country's first independently designed, built and equipped aircraft carrier, and to feel the strength of the country's military power and progress of its scientific development up close, enhancing our national confidence and pride,' Chan said.
The senior official also said the visits, exchanges and seminars held during the fleet's five-day visit to the city, provided a lesson in patriotic education for Hongkongers – particularly the youth – deepening their understanding of the country's national defence infrastructure.
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Shortly before 11am, the Shandong was seen passing through the East Lamma Channel, with crowds gathering hours before at the South Horizons private residential estate in Hong Kong Island's Southern district to take a final glimpse.
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