Life with the PLA in Hong Kong: What it takes to protect HKSAR

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By CGTN's Wu Guoxiu

The task of protecting and defending Hong Kong and its residents at all times can be daunting.

To prepare for this, soldiers of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison in Hong Kong selected from across the country spend most of their time doing tough and rigorous training.

According to one instructor for the Garrison's ground forces, it is important to let Hong Kong residents know that they "have the ability to protect them."

PLA ground force training in Hong Kong’s Stanley island. /CGTN Photo

The PLA Hong Kong Garrison's barracks in Stanley Island are one of the most important locations for the ground forces soldiers.

Ma Yongxiang, Commander of an infantry battalion of PLA HK Garrison introduces geographical location of Stanley barrack. /CGTN Photo

The beautiful island is of great geographical significance because of the two waterways that the PLA soldiers are guarding: the Sheung Sze Wan Waterway through which the Japanese army passed when they invaded Hong Kong during World War II, and the East Lamma Channel that foreign navy ships regularly go down to get supplies from the island.

Chinese national flag flies above the PLA's barracks in Hong Kong's Stanley Island. /CGTN Photo

The Chinese national flag is raised every day on the Stanley barracks. Soldiers say they feel particularly connected to their mission when they see this flag, as they vow to protect this beautiful place.

1969km