The Hong Kong Garrison of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) yesterday paraded to the cheers and applause of 30,000 spectators at Shek Kong barracks, reinforcing its image as "a powerful and civilized force".

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, yesterday 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.

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.

Lee, a 64-year-old retiree from Tuen Mun, said he was glad that he had participated 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 bend before 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.

(HK Edition 08/02/2004 page1)