PLA Hong Kong Garrison Hosts Reception for 99th Anniversary

The People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison hosted a reception at the Ngong Shuen Chau barracks on August 1 to celebrate the 99th anniversary of the PLA’s founding, with senior officials from Beijing and Hong Kong in attendance. The event underscored the garrison’s role in maintaining stability in the semi-autonomous territory, as reported by Xinhua.

Approximately 400 guests attended the ceremony, including Leung Chun-ying, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference; Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu; Zhou Ji, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong; Dong Jingwei, Director of the Office for Safeguarding National Security; Cui Jianchun, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong; and Lai Ruxin, Political Commissar of the PLA Hong Kong Garrison.

A Year of Commemorative Milestones

The reception began in the late afternoon with attendees standing to sing the PLA military anthem. In his keynote address, Lai Ruxin highlighted that 2026 marks the 105th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party, the 99th anniversary of the PLA, and the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Long March. He described these as “three magnificent chapters of history” that are “closely interwoven, linking the unswerving journey of the people’s army.”

Lai affirmed that all officers and soldiers of the garrison “resolutely obey the Party’s command, carry forward glorious traditions, focus on training and combat readiness, forge excellent skills, and strengthen defense capabilities,” adding that they are “always ready to make new contributions to maintaining Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability.”

According to China News Service, Lai also noted that since the garrison was stationed in Hong Kong 29 years ago, it has consistently implemented the “one country, two systems” policy and strictly fulfilled defense duties in accordance with the Hong Kong Basic Law and the Hong Kong Garrison Law. He described the garrison as a “stabilizing anchor” (定海神针) for Hong Kong, earning high praise from Hong Kong compatriots.

The event featured exhibitions of the garrison’s standard military uniforms, light weapons, field rations, and a cultural wall titled “Xiangjiang Military Flag Distinctly Red.” Garrison soldiers also performed cultural programs, including songs “Zhan Wei You Wo Zai” (“I Am on Duty”), “Xianggang, Wo Wei Ni Shouwang” (“Hong Kong, I Stand Guard for You”), and “Gong Jian” (“Storm the Fortress”).

Lee Praises Garrison as Hong Kong’s ‘Stabilizing Anchor’

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu delivered a speech praising the PLA’s contributions to national security and Hong Kong’s stability. As reported by Lianhe Zaobao, Lee stated that the PLA has “always adhered to putting the people first and prioritizing its mission,” from defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity to participating in international peacekeeping operations and humanitarian relief efforts.

“For Hong Kong, the PLA Hong Kong Garrison has not only left solid footprints in defense work, but is also Hong Kong’s most reliable ‘stabilizing anchor,’” Lee said, according to Sing Tao Headline. He described the PLA as “the steel Great Wall defending the country and the solid guarantee of national prosperity and military strength.”

Lee also praised the garrison’s “majestic and civilized image, professional competence, and people-friendly approach,” noting that it has “won widespread trust and heartfelt affection from all sectors” of Hong Kong society.

Historical Significance

The PLA was founded on August 1, 1927, following the Nanchang Uprising led by the Chinese Communist Party. The garrison has been stationed in Hong Kong since July 1, 1997, when the territory was returned to China, replacing the British garrison. The 99th anniversary comes just one year before the PLA’s centenary in 2027, a target year for the military’s modernization goals.

The reception concluded with all attendees singing “Ode to the Motherland” (《歌唱祖国》). Among the guests were veterans of the East River Column Hong Kong-Kowloon Independent Brigade, a guerrilla force that fought against Japanese occupation during World War II, along with their family members, as well as representatives of patriotic organizations and meritorious military personnel.

What to Watch

The event reflects the ongoing emphasis by Beijing on reinforcing national security in Hong Kong through the PLA’s presence. As the PLA approaches its centenary in 2027, the military’s modernization goals and its role in safeguarding Hong Kong’s stability are likely to remain central themes in the coming year. The Xinhua commentary marking the 99th anniversary emphasized the PLA’s commitment to “forward steps” in achieving its centenary goals, suggesting continued focus on military modernization and readiness.