Massive mly parade for Xi

HONG KONG: Tanks, missile launchers and chanting troops greeted President Xi Jinping in a potent display of Chinese military might on Friday as part of his landmark visit to politically divided Hong Kong.

The show of force came hours after activists were released from police custody following their arrest over a protest.

Xi arrived in the city on Thursday to mark 20 years since Hong Kong was returned to China by Britain, with authorities desperate to stick to the script during anniversary celebrations.

A huge security operation has shut down large parts of the city, with thousands of police deployed to keep away demonstrators angry at Beijing’s tightening grip on the freedoms of nearly eight million people.

Xi inspected troops at China’s People’s Liberation Army airfield in rural northern Hong Kong, wearing a black Mao suit and riding an open-top camouflage jeep in the largest military parade since the 1997 handover. As the jeep slowly drove past row upon row of air, naval and land personnel, Xi shouted "Hello comrades"! as the troops responded "Hello chairman"!

Armoured vehicles topped with missile launchers and military helicopters lined Xi’s path along the airstrip for the eight-minute extravaganza.

Members of the public waved flags from packed stands and were given gift bags including a camouflage cap, water and snacks in the blazing heat.

Press were issued a notice ahead of the event barring them from bringing an eclectic list of items, including make-up, deodorant, plants, animals, opium and heroin. There were fears that the PLA would crack down in Hong Kong when it was returned to China, particularly after the brutal crushing of student protests in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square in 1989, but it has kept a very low profile.

Friday’s parade was a rare display.

The PLA is responsible for defending the city and comprises only mainland troops, with Hong Kong residents unable to serve, but it is barred from interfering in local affairs.

A banner behind the troops read "Fully implementing ‘one country, two systems’, this great policy", referring to Hong Kong’s semi-autonomous set-up. As part of the handover deal, Hong Kong was guaranteed rights including freedom of speech and an independent judiciary for 50 years, but there are concerns those liberties are disappearing as Beijing becomes ever more assertive.