Attending a reception to celebrate the 96th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) yesterday, PLA Macau Garrison Commander Yu Changjiang said in a speech that bearing in mind President Xi Jinping’s entrustment, the PLA garrison in Macau will always, “in the same breath, shared fate and heart-to-heart with Macau compatriots”, “unswervingly” uphold the local government in governing according to the law and in promoting the city’s economic and social development.
Yu also pledged continuing to act as a “loyal guard” that the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese people can rest assured of and that Macau compatriots can trust and, thereby, make “new and huge” contributions to the “One Country, Two Systems” principle in Macau.
Yu pointed out that since the stationing of the garrison in Macau in December 1999, it has “earnestly” implemented the “One Country, Two Systems” principle and adhered to the Macau Basic Law and Garrison Law, “excellently” fulfilling all tasks centred on national defence.
Co-hosted by Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng, National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Vice Chairman Edmund Ho Hau Wah, Legislative Assembly (AL) President Kou Hoi In, Central People’s Government Liaison Office in Macau Director Zheng Xincong, Foreign Ministry Commissioner in Macau Liu Xianfa and Court of Final Appeal (TUI) President Sam Hou Fai, yesterday morning’s reception took place at the PLA garrison barracks in Taipa, with about 200 senior local and central government officials and community leaders in attendance.
Zheng and Liu are the central authorities’ most senior officials posted to Macau. Edmund Ho was the first chief executive of the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) between December 1999 and December 2009.
In a speech during the reception, Ho Iat Seng, on behalf of the local government, paid the highest tribute to the PLA and conveyed his festive greetings and warmest regards to all the officers and rank and file of the garrison, pointing out that the garrison, which has been stationed in Macau for over two decades, is a “heroic” garrison of the PLA as it remains true to its original aspirations and keeps its mission in mind, with its love for Macau and its people, firmly and thoroughly implementing the guiding principle of “One Country, Two Systems”, in line with the Macau Basic Law and the Garrison Law.
By participating in activities of public interest and in the distinguished performance of its various missions, Ho Iat Seng said, the local garrison has cultivated a good image as a “civilised and powerful force, earning it the sincere recognition of Macau residents”.
Ho Iat Seng underlined that the local government will continue to strengthen its close ties and collaboration with the garrison, firmly supporting the development of its projects, while creating favourable conditions for the effective performance of its missions.
Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng (centre), Central People’s Government Liaison Office in Macau Director Zheng Xincong (third from right), Foreign Ministry Commissioner in Macau Liu Xianfa (second from left), National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Vice Chairman Edmund Ho Hau Wah (third from left), People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Macau Garrison Commander Yu Changjiang (right), Legislative Assembly (AL) President Kou Hoi In (second from right) and Court of Final Appeal (TUI) President Sam Hou Fai (left) offer a toast during a reception to mark the 96th anniversary of the PLA at the PLA garrison barracks in Taipa yesterday. – Photo: GCS
