PLA garrison in Hong Kong holds reception to celebrate 99th founding anniversary of PLA

HONG KONG, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong Garrison of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Saturday held a reception to celebrate the 99th anniversary of the founding of the PLA at Stonecutters Island Barracks.

Leung Chun-ying, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Zhou Ji, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Dong Jingwei, director of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Cui Jianchun, commissioner of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR, and Lai Ruxin, political commissar of the PLA Hong Kong Garrison attended the event.

In his speech, Lai said that this year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the 99th anniversary of the founding of the PLA and the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Long March by the Red Army under the leadership of the CPC.

Three magnificent chapters of history are closely intertwined, charting the unwavering journey of struggle of the people's army, Lai said.

He called on the PLA garrison in Hong Kong to bolster its defense capabilities and remain ready to make fresh contributions to safeguarding Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability.

Lee delivered a speech, extending festive greetings to the officers and soldiers of the garrison and expressing gratitude for their sustained robust support for the HKSAR's development. ■