Hong Kong PLA garrison to be combat-ready for ‘toughest and most complicated’ situations amid security threats, commander vows

The Hong Kong garrison of the People’s Liberation Army will be combat-ready for the “toughest and most complicated” situations, its commander has vowed, as the city prepares for the 25th anniversary of its return to Chinese rule.

The pledge came amid what some analysts described as “unprecedented national security threats” facing the country and Hong Kong in a tense geopolitical environment.

Major General Peng Jingtang made the promise ahead of President Xi Jinping’s attendance at events marking Hong Kong’s handover anniversary and the swearing-in of incoming leader John Lee Ka-chiu’s administration. This will be Xi’s first meeting outside mainland China since the coronavirus pandemic started two years ago.

Two pro-establishment heavyweights on Sunday said Hong Kong should win back Beijing’s trust by ensuring political security and refraining from doing anything to hurt both the country and the city.

In a lengthy feature published by state media Xinhua on Sunday detailing the work and accomplishments of the PLA in Hong Kong over the past 25 years, Peng cited Xi’s earlier remarks that the garrison should make solid preparations for military struggles.

“[We] must strengthen our sense of vigilance and the ‘bottom-line’ thinking,” Peng said, referring to the approach underscored by Xi to fully assess various kinds of risks for better decision-making.

“We should advance military preparations for the ‘toughest and most complicated’ scenarios and keep boosting our defence capabilities in order to be a competent force that will reassure the [Chinese Communist] Party, the people and be trusted by Hong Kong compatriots.”

Lai Ruxin, the garrison’s political commissar, also said it must be “particularly strong politically” as a unit of army stationed in the “one country, two systems” environment.