The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, this (November 10) morning attended a ceremony at the Stonecutters Naval Base to welcome the Chinese People's Liberation Army (CPLA) Navy Fleet which is now in Hong Kong.
The CPLA Navy Fleet, comprising Guided Missile Destroyer "Shen Zhen" and Supply Ship "Feng Cang", arrived in Hong Kong at 10 am this morning for a four-day portcall. This is the first portcall by the CPLA Navy Fleet since the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The Navy Fleet has just completed a cruise to four European countries before coming to Hong Kong.
The Chief Executive was greeted by the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Mr Jiang Enzhu; the Commander of the People's Liberation Army Forces Hong Kong, Lieutenant General Xiong Ziren; Political Commissar, Major General Wang Yufa; and Deputy Commissioners of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR, Mr Tang Guoqiang and Mr Cui Zhanqiao.
HKSAR Government officials accompanying the Chief Executive at the welcome ceremony were the Secretary for Security, Mrs Regina Ip; the Acting Commissioner of Police, Mr Lau Yuk-kuen; the Deputy Director of Immigration, Mr Lai Tung-kwok; and the Assistant Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Vincent Poon Yeung-kwong.
Commander of the CPLA Navy General Shi Yunsheng, who made a special trip to Hong Kong to welcome the fleet, accompanied the Chief Executive to inspect the officers and soldiers on board "Shen Zhen". The Commander of the CPLA Task Group, Rear Admiral Wu Fuchun, gave a briefing about the fleet to the Chief Executive and accompanying officials. This was followed by an inspection tour of the facilities on board "Shen Zhen".
"Feng Cang" is berthed at the naval anchorage. More than 500 officers and soldiers of the Navy Fleet will take the opportunity of the portcall to go shopping and sightseeing in Hong Kong. "Shen Zhen" will be open tomorrow (November 11) afternoon and next Monday (November 12) morning to members of the public who have earlier obtained tickets.
The Navy Fleet will leave Hong Kong next Tuesday (November 13).
End/Saturday, November 10, 2001
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