Commentary Urges Hong Kong to Know PLA Better
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 10 hours ago4 MIN

Summary
A commentary by 陳卓禧 says Hong Kong should better understand the People’s Liberation Army, following August 1 celebrations for the PLA’s 99th founding anniversary. He says the Hong Kong Garrison’s recent commemorative event was both solemn and simple, with videos and performances emphasizing that the garrison is closely linked with Hong Kong. The article presents the PLA as central to national strength, security and China’s broader international role, while urging greater public familiarity with the force in a new era for Hong Kong .
Key Points
- The article says the PLA marked its 99th founding anniversary on August 1, and the Hong Kong Garrison held a formal but simple celebration .
- According to the commentary, the event’s short film and cultural performances highlighted the theme that the Hong Kong Garrison is bound to Hong Kong .
- The Hong Kong Garrison was formed in 1993 as a combined force, with army, navy and air force units drawn from established PLA formations .
- Its army includes troops from the “Red First Regiment” and “Garrison Hero Regiment,” while naval predecessors fought multiple sea battles .
- The article says the air force component took part in domestic and overseas disaster relief and had also handled leadership aircraft missions .
Why It Matters
The commentary links the PLA’s history and present-day missions to Hong Kong’s place in national development, identity and security. It also suggests that ship visits, open barracks days and youth military summer camps have become important channels for building public familiarity with the garrison in Hong Kong .