HONG KONG, July 14 -- China's Central Military Commission (CMC) has appointed major general Tan Benhong commander of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison in the Hong Kong Special Administration Region, a spokesman with the PLA Garrison in Hong Kong said Monday.

Tan, former commander of Hainan Military Region, replaced lieutenant general Wang Xiaojun, who was appointed deputy commander of Guangzhou Military Region, according to a decree signed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who also serves as chairman of the CMC.