Thousands Attend PLA Open Day at Hong Kong-Bound Airbase Amid 29th Anniversary Celebrations
Hundreds of residents braved high temperatures to participate in a military demonstration and equipment trial at a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) airbase near Hong Kong’s border on Saturday, as part of events marking the 29th anniversary of the city’s handover from British to Chinese rule, according to local media reports. The event, held at Shek Kong barracks, drew attendees from across Hong Kong, including military enthusiast Kin Man, who traveled from Tai Po more than an hour before the 9 a.m. start.
Kin Man, a 30-year-old car park porter and member of Hong Kong’s Auxiliary Medical Service, described his excitement about testing weapons such as the R16 rifle. “I’m interested in everything military, especially the uniforms,” he said, adding that his fascination with uniformed groups led him to join the Auxiliary Medical Service 18 months ago. This was his first visit to a PLA facility, though he recalled a prior trip to an aircraft carrier during secondary school.
The open day, organized by the PLA, included displays of military equipment and interactive sessions for civilians. While specific attendance figures were not released, local outlets noted the event attracted a “significant crowd,” reflecting ongoing public interest in military affairs.
The 29th anniversary of the 1997 handover, which established Hong Kong as a “special administrative region” under China’s “one country, two systems” framework, has seen a mix of official celebrations and broader discussions about the territory’s political and social dynamics. The PLA’s role in Hong Kong remains a sensitive topic, with the military responsible for defense under the Basic Law.
According to a statement from the PLA Hong Kong Garrison, the event aimed to “enhance public understanding of national defense and foster closer ties between the military and civilians.” However, no official data on participation or specific activities beyond the equipment trials were disclosed.
Residents like Kin Man highlighted the appeal of such events, which offer rare access to military facilities. “It’s a chance to see things up close that you don’t usually get to experience,” he said.
The open day occurred amid heightened scrutiny of Hong Kong’s security landscape, following the 2020 National Security Law and recent measures aimed at reinforcing “patriotic education.” While the PLA emphasizes its role in safeguarding national unity, critics have raised concerns about the erosion of civil liberties.
As Hong Kong approaches the 30th anniversary of the handover in 2027, the balance between military engagement and civilian life remains a focal point for public discourse. For now, events like the Shek Kong open day continue to draw curiosity, reflecting a complex interplay of patriotism, education, and institutional access.
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