A People's Liberation Army Navy officer who participated in evacuating hundreds of Chinese nationals from Sudan's civil war shared the experience during a barracks open day in Hong Kong. The officer recounted that many evacuees burst into tears upon reaching the ship, describing the mission as an indelible memory.
The evacuation was conducted by the guided-missile destroyer Nanning, now making a five-day port call alongside the frigate Hengyang. The visit coincides with celebrations marking the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China, underscoring the military's role in protecting citizens abroad.
The guided-missile destroyer Nanning and frigate Hengyang are docked in Hong Kong as part of the anniversary events. The open day allowed the public to view the vessels and hear firsthand accounts from service members involved in overseas missions.
The narrative reinforces the PLA's capacity for rapid crisis response overseas. For Hong Kong residents, the officer's account directly linked the city's post-handover identity to broader national security operations.
The officer's emotional description of the rescue highlights a rare personal glimpse into military operations. Such narratives serve to build public trust in the PLA's humanitarian capabilities.