Hu inspects Macao troops, lauds soldiers

By Dong Wei and Zhang Jin (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-12-20 12:52

Chinese President Hu Jintao, also general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and chairman of the Central Military Commission, reviews the People's Liberation Army Garrison in Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Dec. 20, 2009. [Xinhua]?

MACAO: President Hu Jintao on Sunday called the People's Liberation Army's Macao Garrison a "role model" during his inspection to the unit, which was established 10 years ago.

Hu, who is also chairman of the Central Military Commission, spoke highly of the troops' commitment to the prosperity and stability of Macao SAR in past decade.

Clad in Zhongshan suit - a modern Chinese tunic suit named after Chinese revolutionary Sun Yat-sen, Hu walked past six squares of soldiers. Accompanying Hu was the garrison's chief Wang Yuren.

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According to Lei Baojun, an officer of the garrison, a total of 530 soldiers, including 12 women, and 18 armored vehicles were inspected. Lei said most of these solders will retire soon.

China resumed its sovereignty over Macao and began deploying troops in December 1999. The PLA Macao Garrison, with selected units and personnel from the Guangzhou Military Area Command, is the second troop unit to carry out defense mission under a different social system following the PLA Hong Kong Garrison.

Earlier this week, Hu has issued an order to commend the troops in Macao for upholding the leadership of the Communist Party of China, strengthening military training, abiding by laws and regulations, serving local people and protecting their legitimate interests. He also urged all PLA members and the armed police to learn from the troops in Macao in order to push forward the modernization of China's national defense and the army.

Hu arrived in Macao on Saturday, as the city celebrated its 10th anniversary of reunification with the motherland. Before the inspection of troops, he administered the oath of office to Chief Executive Fernando Chui Sai-on at the swearing-in ceremony of the third-term government of Macao SAR.

Macao, known for its gambling business, has experienced remarkable social and economic development. At the swearing-in ceremony, Hu spoke highly of the progress Macao has made in all sense during past decade, promised the central government will adhere to "one country, two systems" policy and pledged full support to Macao.

On Saturday he also announced the central government will give Macao a pair of pandas as a gift.

Hu inspects Macao troops, lauds soldiers