On Saturday, the Hong Kong Garrison of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) holds a reception to mark the 99th anniversary of the PLA’s founding. According to reporting, the event takes place at the PLA barracks on Stonecutters Island, and it is also described by another outlet as being at Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks. Officials attending include Leung Chun-ying, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and John Lee, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, along with other officials and military representatives.
At the ceremony, senior PLA leadership addresses the role of the troops in Hong Kong. One report says the garrison’s political commissar, Rear Admiral Lai Ruxin, pledges that troops will expand efforts related to promoting patriotic and defence education across the city. The same source also reports that the PLA officer reiterates that troops will resolutely obey the command of the Communist Party of China. Other coverage characterizes the gathering primarily as a commemorative reception for the anniversary.
