Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng yesterday praised the local garrison of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) for performing the “sacred mission of defending” the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) since the latter’s establishment on December 20, 1999.
Ho stressed that since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in 2012, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, the strategy of reforming and strengthening the military has been implemented in depth, marching towards the centenary goal of the founding of the PLA as scheduled, in order to usher in a new phase of politically built, reform-orientated, technologically advanced, talent-focused and law-based military development.
In his address at a reception held at the garrison’s barracks in Taipa in celebration of the PLA’s 97th anniversary, Ho said that he “would like to pay the highest respect to the glorious and great Chinese People’s Liberation Army”.
Ho, who returned to work on Tuesday after his first long leave following the COVID-19 pandemic, said that over the past 97 years, the PLA “has created a glorious history and established everlasting achievements, which are always worth remembering and carrying forward.”
Ho also pointed out that this year marks the 25th anniversary of establishment of the local PLA garrison.
PLA troops entered Macau on December 20, 1999, coinciding with the establishment of the MSAR.
Ho stressed that since the establishment of the local garrison, the PLA troops have strictly abided by the Macau Basic Law and “faithfully” implemented the “One Country, Two Systems” and “Macau people governing Macau” principles, as well as the policy of Macau enjoying a high degree of autonomy.
Over the past 25 years, Ho said, the PLA troops stationed in Macau “have persistently carried forward the glorious traditions and excellent work ethics of the People’s Liberation Army, maintained strict discipline, abided by law and regulations and continuously deepened communication and exchanges with Macau’s civil society.”
Ho also thanked the PLA garrison for “strongly supporting” the local government’s work. “With practical actions, the troops stationed in Macau have shown us the brilliant image of a powerful and cultured army earning the trust of the central government and the people across the nations, while being deeply respected and cherished by the local people.”
The chief executive also expressed his “heartfelt gratitude to the PLA garrison for its crucial protection and vital safeguarding of the long-term prosperity and stability of Macau.”
Ho also pointed out that the recently concluded Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee has set forth fresh requirements and strategies for high-quality development and the strategic layout of the nation, serving as a crucial guiding force in upholding long-term stability, prosperity, and sustainable growth for Macau. He underlined that the local government remains committed to bolstering the city’s proactive integration into the national development initiatives and strategies, fostering an appropriately diversified economy in line with the “1+4” model, all aimed at continuously enhancing the well-being of Macau’s population.
Attending yesterday morning’s reception, PLA Macau Garrison Commander Yu Changjiang said in a speech 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.
Yu underlined the army’s progress and enhanced mission capabilities, aligning with the centenary goal of robust army building. With a renewed fighting spirit and solid work ethic, Yu pointed out that the army’s aim is to usher in a new era of comprehensive development.
The reception was also attended by National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Vice Chairman Edmund Ho Hau Wah, Central People’s Government Liaison Office in the MSAR Director Zheng Xincong and Foreign Ministry Commissioner in the MSAR Liu Xianfa, among about 200 senior local and central government officials, representatives of the legislature and judiciary, as well as community leaders.
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.
Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng (centre-right), National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Vice Chairman Edmund Ho Hau Wah (centre-left), Central People’s Government Liaison Office in the MSAR Director Zheng Xincong (third from right), Foreign Ministry Commissioner in the MSAR Liu Xianfa (third from left), Legislative Assembly (AL) President Kou Hoi In (second from right), Court of Final Appeal (TUI) President Sam Hou Fai (second from left), People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Macau Garrison Commander Yu Changjiang (right) and PLA Macau Garrison Political Commissar Lin Qinghua offer a toast during a reception to mark the 97th anniversary of the PLA at the PLA garrison barracks in Taipa yesterday. – Photo: GCS
