The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) held a military parade Sunday morning, the first of its kind since Hong Kong's return to the motherland in 1997.

Braving the scorching sun, some 30,000 people from all walks of life in Hong Kong watch the parade at the Shek Kong barracks, including Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Tung Chee Hwa.

The parade, which started sharp at 10:30 am to the tune of the national anthem, involved about 3,000 army officers and soldiers. Soldiers split into nine square formations, while two formations of armoured vehicles rolled past. Twelve military helicopters - three in a group - flew low overhead.

The first to stride past for review was the formation of honour guards of the garrison's army, air-force and navy. According to the PLA, this regiment has been praised by the Central Military Commission for outstanding performance and reviewed on a number of previous occasions.

The parade concluded with a performance by the military band.

The PLA's first public military parade in Hong Kong aimed to display national sovereignty and show the strength of national defences; and to help promote a close relationship between the army and Hong Kong citizens.

Commander of the PLA Hong Kong Garrison, Lieutenant General Wang Jitang, Sunday reiterated the central government's "full support for the Hong Kong government led by Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa to rule the SAR according to the law".

He said that the garrison troops would uphold the principle of "one country, two systems" and continue to strictly abide by the Basic Law and related military legislation while carrying out defence duties in Hong Kong.

"We will strive to make new contributions to the prosperity, stability and development of Hong Kong," he said.

A PLA official said earlier that the parade was aimed at displaying the national sovereignty, strength of national defense and the central government's power and determination to safeguard national and regional security.

He said he hoped that the parade would display the PLA's modernization level and help promote close relationship between the army and the Hong Kong people.

Lee, a 64-year-old retiree from Tuen Mun, said he was glad that he had viewed in the event.

"I'm very happy," Lee said. "I'm so proud of the Chinese nation that I hope my country can be stronger every day and never kneel to others again."

In order to secure a good position along the runway where the parade was held, Lee left for the barracks at 7 am.

Ms Wu, a 36-year-old insurance agent from Yuen Long, found the training and discipline of the PLA soldiers impressive. "I respect them. I've seen a lot of them rescuing people in floods and fires on television. This is my first time to see them in person in a military parade," she said.

Among those attending were Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa; Director of Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong Gao Siren; and Commissioner of the Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong, Yang Wenchang.

Principal officials of the SAR government, local National People's Congress deputies, members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and legislators were also present.

The PLA Garrison in Hong Kong held a reception in the evening to mark the 77th founding anniversary of the PLA.

Spectator John Fong was completely awestruck after witnessing the PLA's first open military review in the territory at Shek Kong barracks. Fong, a Hong Kong businessman, was among 30,000 residents who viewed the military parade.

"I was totally mesmerized by the impressive military strength and organization of the People's Liberation Army, and it is also reassuring to know that Hong Kong is protected by an advanced and modern army," Fong told China Daily.

He said the Hong Kong Garrison should organize a large-scale military parade every year to promote national pride among Hong Kong citizens.

The PLA parade also left a lasting impression on homemaker May Chan.

"This is the most thrilling military spectacle I have ever seen, and it has renewed my confidence in the PLA forces and our nation," she said enthusiastically.

In spite of scorching heat as temperatures reached 30 C in the morning, most citizens remained enthusiastic, and some came prepared with sunglasses and hats.

By People's Daily Online