At the biggest military parade in Hong Kong since the city’s handover to China in 1997, President Xi Jinping on Friday inspected 20 squads formed by more than 3,100 soldiers of the People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong garrison at the Shek Gong barracks.
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Why 20 squads?
The formation was designed to mark the 20th anniversary of the PLA being stationed in Hong Kong after British troops left town, ending a 150-year presence.
Hu Jintao inspects the PLA troops at Shek Kong in 2012. Photo: Sam Tsang
Was it the biggest parade in terms of personnel?
The total number involved was similar to the previous one in 2012, when more than 3,000 soldiers formed 15 squads and were inspected by Xi’s predecessor, Hu Jintao, for the 15th anniversary celebrations.
Why didn’t President Xi return a salute to soldiers as he did previously?
Xi did salute during a parade on September 3, 2015, to mark the 70th anniversary of the victory against Japan, but he used his left hand, prompting much speculation at home and overseas. Some put it down to nervousness by Xi, while others said left-handed salutes were more appropriate for civilians greeting troops.
The base in Hong Kong is the PLA’s first multi-unit garrison. Photo: Sam Tsang
Does the Hong Kong garrison have any special status?
As part of China’s military modernisation pilot scheme, it is the first multi-unit garrison to include land, sea and air fighting forces. It is directly under the leadership of the powerful Central Military Commission, which Xi chairs, and under the administrative control of the Southern Theatre Command.
