Liu Yuejun and He Xianshu, commander and political commissar, respectively, of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Macao Garrison, extended sincere regards to local residents on the occasion of the new year.

They said in a written new year message that Macao's return to the motherland is another great event of the Chinese nation after Hong Kong's handover, and it marks that Macao has entered a new era in its development.

The Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government and residents held grand welcoming ceremonies in the course of the Macao garrison troops' marching into the city, and offered enthusiastic support in the exercise of their defense duties, the two officers said, adding that "we shall thank sincerely for this. "

The Macao garrison troops will conscientiously carry out the " one country, two systems" principle, abide by local laws, respect the Macao SAR government and the life style of local residents, safeguard the country's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and contribute to Macao's stability and development, they said in their message.