President Xi inspects PLA Garrison in Hong Kong SAR

Updated at 9:45 a.m. BJT

Chinese President Xi Jinping inspected the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison at the Shek Kong barracks in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Friday.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, inspected troops in 20 formations of more than 3,100 soldiers and over 100 weapons.

Over 4,000 guests from various social sectors of Hong Kong were present at the inspection.

Xi is in the SAR from Thursday to Saturday to mark the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China. The Chinese president will attend the inauguration of Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor as chief executive of the SAR on Saturday.

The PLA Hong Kong Garrison has been responsible for defense in Hong Kong since its return to China in 1997.

Formations of the PLA Hong Kong Garrison line up for an inspection by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shek Kong barracks in Hong Kong, China, June 30, 2017. /Xinhua Photo

Soldiers of the PLA Hong Kong Garrison attend an inspection by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shek Kong barracks in Hong Kong, China, June 30, 2017. /Xinhua Photo

Low-profile, but open and warmhearted

According to Tan Benhong, commander of the PLA Garrison in Hong Kong, the garrison has been well-trained, disciplined and civilized during its 20 years in Hong Kong, playing a positive role in safeguarding its stability, a recent China Daily report said.

The garrison has won Hong Kong people's hearts with its low-profile presence, growing openness and continuous care and respect for the local community, Tan added.

In contrast to its low-profile presence, the garrison has opened its barracks to visitors 28 times, attracting 620,000 local residents. From July 8 to 10, the barracks at Ngong Shuen Chau, Shek Kong and San Wei will be open to the public, enhancing Hong Kong society's knowledge about the garrison.

A soldier of the PLA Hong Kong Garrison teaches a child to use a mock laser gun. /China Daily Photo

Meanwhile, the garrison has organized 12 military summer camps for teenagers and six military experience camps for university students.

During the past two decades, PLA soldiers in Hong Kong have played an active role in public activities in local communities. They have planted more than 92,000 trees, donated 3,380 liters of blood, offered help to 4,300 seniors and children in care homes and taken part in a number of rescue missions.

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