The role of the Hong Kong garrison of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA)

What role does the Hong Kong garrison play? Does the present situation require deployment of the garrison? When meeting with Hong Kong and Macao compatriots attending the National Day celebrations in 1984, Deng Xiaoping had made clear that besides demonstrating China's resumption of sovereignty over Hong Kong, the garrison would have another role also -- to "prevent disturbances". "Knowing that there were Chinese troops present, people who intended to incite disturbances would have to think twice about it. And even if there were disturbances, they could be quelled immediately," he said. The garrison is meant to deter those forces who want to disrupt Hong Kong. In the event of a disturbance, it can also help to solve the problem, calming the unrest quickly and restoring social order and stability.

There is talk now that deploying the garrison means the end of "one country, two systems". This is completely wrong. The Article 14 of the Basic Law clearly states that "the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region may, when necessary, ask the Central People's Government for assistance from the garrison in the maintenance of public order and in disaster relief". This is a part the framework of "one country, two systems". Also, according to Article 18, in the event that the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress decides to declare that the region is in a state of emergency, the Central People's Government may issue an order applying the relevant national laws in the region. Both articles show that the garrison is not a scarecrow in the barracks, but an important factor in fully implementing the "one country, two systems" principle.

If social unrest erupts within the SAR, the central government of course can step in. The unrest is a departure from "one country, two systems"; the central government's intervention is to help put things back on the right track. The central government should act if its exercise of rights can dispel chaos and restore order, but it doesn't mean once there are signs of turmoil, the garrison would be deployed. "First, the administrative bodies in Hong Kong should intervene; mainland troops stationed there would not necessarily be used. They would be used only if there were disturbances, serious disturbances," Deng Xiaoping said when meeting with members of the drafting committee of the Basic Law. Serious disturbances are those beyond the control of the SAR government and the Hong Kong police, which require the use of the garrison. Just like what Deng went on to say: "Anyway, intervention of some sort would be necessary."

One thing should be made clear here: The job of Hong Kong police is to maintain social order and public security in accordance with the law. Hong Kong people should realize it's no good to the SAR if the police cannot maintain local order. All parties involved should adopt a cooperative attitude to reduce losses and confrontation for the early restoration of public order and peace in Hong Kong. This is what's best for Hong Kong.