PLA HK Garrison’s training could deter separatists: netizens
An expert has said that the Hong Kong Garrison of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) could accelerate the implementation of the national security law in China’s Hong Kong Special Administration (HKSAR) as the garrison has gone through intensive kickboxing training, which netizens hint was intended to deter separatists.
The garrison posted a video on its official Sina Weibo showing soldiers pounding on each other and going on long-distance runs. The garrison said the training aims to effectively improve its capability to respond to emergencies and quickly deal with the enemy. The training also involved simulated combat, which focuses on confronting and moving against the enemy. The members who graduate from the training team will play a key role in the next combat drill.
“After intensive training, the soldiers can become more tenacious, resolute and hard-working in subduing others. They can be tougher and more unyielding when performing special tasks,” said Yang Weishuai, a deputy captain of the training team, in the video.
The video sparked heated discussion on social media, with many netizens saying the drill will surely be a deterrent to separatists in Hong Kong.
“China has you there, we are very assured,” read a typical comment that was widely supported by other commenters.
Fan Peng, a member of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, told the Global Times that the training shows the garrison’s determination to safeguard the security of Hong Kong and the nation.
As China’s top legislature adopted a draft decision on Hong Kong’s national security legislation on Thursday, the garrison may join in implementing the national security law, and its duties may expand according to the law, Fan said.
The garrison assumes the task of safeguarding the sovereignty and integrity of China, Fan said. “If Hong Kong suffers from huge disorder, the garrison can help the HKSAR government restore social stability in accordance with the laws.”