More than 200 young people from Hong Kong and Macao joined a military barracks visit on Monday and toured a warship in Zhanjiang, Guangdong province, enhancing their awareness of national defense, and fostering a strong sense of patriotism, according to Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen.

Mak said during the visit that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government attaches great importance in inspiring the city’s youths to foster and carry forward the spirit of patriotism, guiding them to better integrate into the overall national development.

“Today's event provided a valuable experience for young people from Hong Kong and Macao to visit the Navy Units and board the modern warship, serving as a profound lesson in national defense education,” Mak said, adding that it made them appreciate the formidable strength of the national navy.

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She stressed that the country has always placed high hopes on the youths of Hong Kong and Macao, anticipating them to grasp global development trends and show their affection for the country through concrete actions.

The HKSAR government will fully utilize Hong Kong's distinct advantages provided by the strong support from the motherland and close connection with the world, striving to nurture a new generation of young people with an affection for the country and Hong Kong while equipped with global perspectives, Mak said.

She also encouraged the youths to share their observations and reflections from the barracks back in Hong Kong and Macao, and to contribute to the development of the country and the two SARs.

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Led by the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the activity was jointly organized by the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the People's Government of Guangdong Province, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau of the HKSAR government and the Education and Youth Development Bureau of the Macao SAR government, and hosted by the Zhanjiang Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Bureau.