PLA Hong Kong Garrison Pledges Expanded Role in Patriotic Education
Top officer reaffirms commitment to 'one country, two systems' and bolstering defence capacity at 99th anniversary reception.
Quick Look
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong garrison celebrated its 99th anniversary, with political commissar Rear Admiral Lai Ruxin pledging to expand its role in patriotic and defence education across the city while upholding the 'one country, two systems' principle.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The PLA Hong Kong garrison celebrated its 99th anniversary, with its political commissar outlining the military's ongoing and future role in the city. This event reaffirms the garrison's commitment to the 'one country, two systems' principle and its duties under local and national laws.
The Hong Kong garrison of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) celebrated the 99th anniversary of the military’s founding on Saturday with a reception at the barracks on Stonecutters Island, with a top officer pledging to expand its role in promoting patriotic and defence education across the city.
Speaking at the reception at the Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks, garrison political commissar Rear Admiral Lai Ruxin said troops would resolutely obey the command of the Communist Party of China, while bolstering its defence capacity to safeguard Hong Kong’s stability and prosperity.
“Particularly in patriotic and defence education, [the garrison] will continue to leverage its unique advantages and endeavour to make more contributions,” Lai said.
The commissar said the garrison resolutely acted in accordance with the “one country, two systems” governing principle and carried out its duties in strict accordance with the Basic Law, the city’s mini-constitution, and the laws of the People’s Republic of China on the garrison’s role.
“[The garrison] has steadfastly supported the Hong Kong government to exercise governance in accordance with the law, defending Hong Kong’s safety with absolute loyalty [and] safeguarding the special administrative region’s journey ahead with staunch responsibility,” Lai said.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu offered his congratulations and extended a salute to the PLA for its service in safeguarding national sovereignty.
“Since Hong Kong returned to the motherland, the garrison has always provided a strong backing for Hong Kong’s safety and social stability, unwaveringly supporting the government’s governance in accordance with the law,” Lee said.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The PLA garrison will increase its involvement in patriotic and defence education initiatives in Hong Kong.
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- Specifics of expanded patriotic education initiatives?
- How will the 'unique advantages' be leveraged?
