China flexes military muscle in Hong Kong during Xi’s visit
HONG KONG » President Xi Jinping inspected troops based in Hong Kong on Friday as he asserts China’s authority over the former British colony, where anti-China sentiment has been on the rise since Beijing took control 20 years ago.
Xi rode in an open-top jeep past rows of soldiers lined up on an airstrip on his visit to the People’s Liberation Army garrison. He called out “Salute all the comrades” and “Salute to your dedication” as he passed 3,100 soldiers arranged in 20 formations.
Armored personnel carriers, combat vehicles, helicopters and other pieces of military hardware were arrayed behind the troops.
It was a rare display of the Chinese military’s might in Hong Kong, where it normally maintains a low-key presence. China’s first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, is expected to make a port call next month.
Xi, who’s also chairman of the Central Military Commission, wore a buttoned-up black jacket in the steamy heat during his 10-minute review of troops at the Shek Kong base in Hong Kong’s suburban New Territories. It’s part of a visit to mark the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover, when Britain gave up control of the Asian financial hub to China on July 1, 1997.
Hong Kong was granted the freedom to run most of its affairs after it came under China’s control under the “one country, two systems” principle. However, Beijing is in charge of the city’s defense and foreign affairs. Troops deployed from the mainland are typically confined to bases scattered across town and at headquarters downtown. Hong Kongers aren’t allowed to join up.
Apart from trying to drum up Chinese national pride, the military display also serves as a warning to groups expressing antiChina sentiment or pushing for independence, said Willy Lam, a political analyst at Chinese University of Hong Kong.
The message is that “when all else fails the PLA will always be the last resort. This, I think, would get people quite worried,” Lam said. “The implications are quite scary.”
Xi’s three-day visit to mark the anniversary includes presiding at the inauguration Saturday of the city’s new leader, Carrie Lam.
Security has been tight for his visit as authorities brace for protests.