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Subject: HONG KONG - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday inspected troops at the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) Hong Kong garrison as part of events to…
Excerpt: English text from the archived bilingual edition · Chinese edition
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HONG KONG - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday inspected troops at the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) Hong Kong garrison as part of events to mark the 20th anniversary of the city’s return to Chinese sovereignty
The CGTN, the international arm of state broadcaster CCTV, on Friday morning showed a military parade at the Shek Kong Barracks in New Territories on its Facebook feed. It was the biggest parade ever since the city’s return to China
"Salute to you, comrades. Salute to your dedication," shouted Mr Xi into four microphones fixed atop an open-top camouflage jeep as the vehicle slowly drove past row upon row of air, naval and land personnel
Dressed in a dark green Mao suit, he inspected 20 squadrons, including the air force, navy, ground forces and special forces, according to state media
The troops responded with shouts of "Salute to you, Chairman" and "Serve the people"
Mr Xi is the chairman of China’s all-powerful Central Military Commission (CMC), the highest command for the world’s largest army
Professor Xu Hui of PLA’s National Defence University told CGTN on its live feed that the military inspection and parade sent an important message to "the people in Hong Kong and the mainland" about Beijing’s resolve and dedication to maintain peace and prosperity in the city
More than 3,100 officers and soldiers took part in the review, and over 100 pieces of military equipment including air defence missiles and helicopters were displayed. About 4,000 spectators from all walks of life in Hong Kong were present at the parade, according to Xinhua news agency
Under the Basic Law, or Hong Kong’s mini Constitution, the central government is responsible for the defence of Hong Kong
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