On October 28, Liu Zhongjie, Deputy Secretary of the Hengyang Municipal Party Committee and Mayor of Hengyang City, led a municipal delegation comprising representatives from the municipal government, the local military command, and political authorities to pay a formal visit and extend condolences to the officers and crew of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) frigate Hengyang, stationed at a naval base in Guangdong Province. The delegation also conducted the "City–Vessel Coordinated Development" initiative, conveying heartfelt appreciation and solidarity from the entire city to the personnel steadfastly engaged in training, readiness, and operational duties.

The visit took place on a clear, mild morning at the naval port, where Hengyang Naval Vessel was moored at the pier. Crew members assembled in formation on deck and rendered naval honors as the delegation boarded the vessel.

At the condolence ceremony, Mayor Liu Zhongjie delivered remarks on behalf of the Hengyang Municipal Party Committee, the Municipal Government, and the people of Hengyang. He extended sincere greetings to the crew and highlighted the city's socioeconomic progress. He noted that Hengyang Naval Vessel has distinguished itself through over 70 major operational and training missions and has set more than 10 service-wide benchmarks in naval performance. He underscored that Hengyang is a historically significant city: the only Chinese municipality hosting a national-level Anti-Japanese War memorial, and a four-time recipient of the title "National Model City for Supporting the Military and Caring for Veterans." He expressed profound pride that the city's name adorns such a distinguished warship—and that its sailors embody exceptional professionalism and dedication.

Mayor Liu Zhongjie emphasized that Hengyang remains fully committed to deepening the City–Vessel Coordinated Development initiative as a strategic priority. Aligned with the city's overarching development strategy—"Strengthening Manufacturing as the Foundation, Advancing Cultural Tourism as the Driver"—Hengyang is accelerating efforts to build itself into a higher-tier regional central city at the national level and a provincial sub-central hub. He called upon Hengyang Naval Vessel to continue serving as Hengyang's "mobile ambassador," reinforcing the symbiotic bond between the heroic city and its namesake warship in the shared mission of national rejuvenation and military modernization. The municipal government reaffirmed its unwavering support for national defense and military construction, pledging proactive assistance in addressing practical concerns affecting the crew's welfare and operational readiness.

Lieutenant Colonel Liu Xiaohan, Deputy Political Commissar of the naval unit under the Southern Theater Command, delivered a response on behalf of the unit's Political Work Department and the entire crew of Hengyang Naval Vessel. He warmly welcomed the delegation and commended Hengyang's remarkable achievements in economic transformation and social governance. He affirmed the city's consistent commitment to supporting the armed forces and the robust, trust-based collaboration between municipal authorities and the vessel. He stated that, fortified by the enduring care and encouragement of their hometown, the crew would uphold patriotic conviction and combat readiness, strive to build a world-class warship, and translate hometown support into tangible military accomplishments and renewed distinction.

During the visit, the delegation participated in a "Military Day" activity aboard Hengyang Naval Vessel, engaging in dialogue with officers and enlisted personnel, observing demonstrations of professional competence and disciplined conduct, and gaining first-hand insight into daily training regimens and living conditions onboard.

The condolence visit was attended by Lieutenant General Li Qiang, Commander of the Hengyang Military Subdistrict; Vice Mayor Wang Jing; and Comrade Zou Kun, a member of the Municipal Government Leadership Group.