Xi inspects PLA garrison in Hong Kong

President Xi Jinping on Friday inspected the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) at Shek Kong barracks, on the eve of the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping inspects the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region at Shek Kong barracks, on Friday, June 30, 2017. [Photo: Xinhua]

Xi, also general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and chairman of the Central Military Commission, reviewed the troops in the company of Tan Benhong, commander of the PLA Garrison in the HKSAR.

The guard of honor of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) wait to be inspected at Shek Kong barracks in Hong Kong, south China, June 30, 2017. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and chairman of the Central Military Commission, on Friday inspected the PLA Garrison in the HKSAR at Shek Kong barracks. [Photo: Xinhua/Li Gang]

More than 3,100 officers and soldiers took part in the review, and over 100 pieces of military equipment including air defense missiles and helicopters were displayed.

About 4,000 spectators from all walks of life in Hong Kong were present. 

The PLA troops wait for Chinese President Xi Jinping's inspection at Shek Kong barracks in Hong Kong on Friday, June 30, 2017. [Photo: Xinhua]

Xi arrived here Thursday to attend celebrations for Hong Kong's 20th return anniversary and the inauguration of the HKSAR's fifth-term government. He will also inspect the HKSAR during his three-day stay.

The Z-8 helicopter team of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) are seen at Shek Kong barracks in Hong Kong, south China, June 30, 2017. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and chairman of the Central Military Commission, on Friday inspected the PLA Garrison in the HKSAR at Shek Kong barracks. [Photo: Xinhua/Li Gang]