PLA Barracks Open to HK Residents

PLA Barracks Open to HK Residents

Heavy rains did not stop visitors to the barracks of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison that opened to local residents Sunday.

Some Hong Kong residents arrived at the barracks of the PLA ground forces at Stanley even before it opened at 10:00 in the morning.

"Hong Kong residents show great interest every time when the PLA barracks are open to them," said Zheng Lei, a press officer of the PLA Hong Kong Garrison.

All the 13,000 tickets for admission to PLA barracks were quickly delivered to local organizations and residents last week, he said, adding that someone even telephoned the PLA Garrison's headquarters for the ticket after that.

He said this year will open to Hong Kong residents three barracks for the ground, naval and air forces at Stanley, Stonecutter Island and Shek Kong.

The annual event, the fourth one since the PLA troops began to station in Hong Kong after its return to the motherland in 1997, serves as a channel to increase understanding between the PLA troops and the local community. Visitors can get a glimpse of what is the life of the PLA like, he said.

At 10:20 in the morning, as the performance of the PLA formation drill started at Stanley barracks, warm applause burst from the visitors from time to time.

The warships open for exhibition at Stonecutter Island also attracted a large number of visitors, who enthusiastically took pictures on board.

The basketball match between the PLA troops and the Hong Kong police was held at Stonecutter Island, where many visitors also waited in long queue to watch the singing and dancing performance.

Visiting the barracks, Mr. Wong, a visitor, said he has get a better understanding about the PLA troops, and "their discipline and gifts really impressed me."