"The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Macao Garrison is capable of carrying out its historic, sacred mission and defending the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) to live up to the expectations of the people of Macao.

Major General Liu Yuejun, commander of the PLA Macao Garrison, made the pledge here today in an exclusive interview with Xinhua.

"The enthusiasm showed by Macao people to our troops is touching," Liu said. Tens of thousands of civilians lined the streets, waving colorful banners and chanting welcome greetings when the 550 soldiers and officers rolled into Macao Monday.

The 45-year old commander, who is described as being smart and frank, has been in the service for 30 years and was promoted to the current position by the Central Military Commission headed by Jiang Zemin earlier this year.

China's resumption of the sovereignty over Macao is a grand event for the Chinese people and marks the beginning of a new era for Macao, he said, stressing that the PLA Garrison troops will carry out its duties strictly in accordance with the Basic Law of the MSAR and the Garrison Law.

Since its establishment, the garrison troops have undergone strict training to improve its military quality and the ability to deal with the special situation in Macao, Liu said. Their weapons mainly include light arms and armored vehicles, he noted, adding the garrison is completely capable of fulfilling its defensive duties in the MSAR.

As Macao is a special administrative region with high degree of autonomy and governed by law, the troops will not only abide by laws that are in compliant with laws of the country but also local laws, and all the officers and soldiers have studied relevant laws before they came, he said.

Referring to the role of the garrison and local security, the commander said, according to the Garrison Law, the troops would assist the MSAR Government in safeguarding public security and fighting natural disasters, with the approval of the Central Military Commission at the request of the MSAR Government.

The garrison troops will respect the MSAR Government and the social system and way of life in the territory, Liu said. "We will stand together with the Macao people and fulfill our sacred historic mission here," he stressed. (Xinhua)