The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) garrison troops in
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Friday
conducted its eighth troop rotation since it assumed Hong Kong's
defense responsibility on July 1, 1997.
The annual rotation started at midnight when a number of
military vehicles of the ground troops rolled across the Lok Ma
Chau checkpoint into Hong Kong under the escort of the Hong Kong
police.
Six military helicopters landed at the Skek Kong Barracks in the
morning. The last part of the rotation was carried out at the
Stonecutters Island Naval Base.
The naval rotation involved a missile escort vessel, a landing
ship and a patrol vessel.
Wang Jitang, commander of the PLA garrison troops in HK said at
the rotation ceremony held at the Stonecutter Island Navy Base the
annual rotation was conducted in accordance with the HKSAR Garrison
Law of the People's Republic of China.
The size of the forces remained unchanged in both personnel and
weaponry after the rotation, said Colonel Qin Jijun, spokesman for
the PLA garrison troops in Hong Kong.
The successors of the rotated staff will continue to abide by
laws and make contributions to safeguarding the long-term stability
and prosperity of Hong Kong, the spokesman said.
(Xinhua News Agency November 26, 2005)