Chinese army in Hong Kong becomes ‘anchor of stability’

By Maimaitiming Yilixiati

ANKARA (AA) - China's Defense Garrison in Hong Kong has become an anchor for long-term prosperity and stability in the region, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

In today’s regular press conference, the ministry’s spokeswoman Hua Chunying emphasized the role that People’s Liberation Army (PLA) played in Hong Kong since the U.K. handed over its former colony and important trade hub in East Asia.

“PLA Hong Kong Garrison has strictly abided by the Hong Kong Basic Law and the Garrison Law and faithfully fulfilled their defense duties,” Hua said.

The regional government has the authority and the right to request assistance from the Garrison in Beijing.

Under Sino-British Joint Declaration in 1996, the Garrison -- commanded by the chairman of the Central Military Commission in Beijing -- has been taking responsibility to defend the Special Administrative Region.

Referring to recent remarks of U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who called on China to "do the right thing" regarding a possible military deployment to the region, Hua claimed that Beijing has been doing the right thing for a while.

“The central government has been doing the right thing all along for the long-term stability and prosperity of Hong Kong and we hope the U.S. will also do the right thing,” she said.

China released its defense white paper on Wednesday, stressing that Beijing may send troops to Hong Kong under the request of regional government.

Hong Kong witnessed mass protests against a bill introduced in April by Chief Executive Carrie Lam, which will legalize extradition of suspects to mainland China, Macao and Taiwan.

The mass protests started in early June and have witnessed incidents of violence including attack on the office of China’s liaison officer in the region.