HONG KONG - The Hong Kong Garrison of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Wednesday held a reception to celebrate the 98th anniversary of the founding of the PLA at Stonecutters Island Barracks, attended by around 400 people.

John Lee Ka-chiu, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Zhou Ji, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR; Dong Jingwei, director of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR; Cui Jianchun, commissioner of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR; Peng Jingtang, commander of the Chinese PLA Hong Kong Garrison; Lai Ruxin, political commissar of the PLA Hong Kong Garrison; veterans of the Hong Kong Independent Battalion of the Dongjiang Column, and people from all walks of life in Hong Kong attended the event.

In his speech, Peng said that over the past 98 years, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the PLA have endured the flames of war and made remarkable historical contributions to the party and the people.

Peng said that this year marks the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and in the World Anti-Fascist War. Led by the CPC, the Hong Kong Independent Battalion of the Dongjiang Column played a vital role in defending Hong Kong and fighting against Japanese invaders, making an important contribution to the global victory over fascism.

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Peng also reviewed the hard work of the PLA garrison in Hong Kong, which has faithfully fulfilled its sacred duty of safeguarding Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability, serving as a vital anchor of security and reassurance.