President Hu has also visited the Hong Kong Garrison of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army and inspected the troops. The military review was a big draw for the public, as Wang Yizhi reports.

President Hu Jintao inspects the PLA Hong Kong Garrison and reviews the formations of the army, navy, air force, helicopters, and armored vehicles.This is the largest display since Hong Kong’s return. And for the first time, the female troops form their own array.

On view was some of the latest equipment, including helicopters, digital communication trucks, ground air defense vehicles, and an early warning radar system.

4000 Hong Kong locals were there, and had a 30-minute tour.

HK PLA Garrison’s Wang Yizhi said, “Many citizens signed up for this activity and they are among those lucky ones who got the chance to interact with the troops in such close proximity.”

On July 1, 1997, the day of Hong Kong’s return to China, the PLA Hong Kong Garrison moved into the SAR on the orders of the Central Military Commission.

Since then, the Garrison has carried out its mission of safeguarding China’s sovereignty over Hong Kong, the territorial integrity of the nation and the security of the S-A-R. The garrison troops also help maintain public order and assist in disaster relief as part of their commitment to Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability.