The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison stationed in Macao opened its barracks on the Taipa Island in Macao to public on Sunday.

This was the first time that the barracks were open to public since the army entered the Macao Special Administrative Region(SAR) to take on the defending mission upon Macao's hand-over in 1999.

Due to the space limit, the garrison sent out some 1,000 tickets for free to local residents on its first open day, which coincides with the 5th anniversary of Macao's return to China.

Chief Executive of the Macao SAR Edmund Ho Hau Wah and Bai Zhijian, director of the Central People's Government's Liaison Office in Macao were among visitors to the barracks Sunday.

The PLA soldiers performed military parade and drill to demonstrate their outstanding discipline and training.

Liu Lianhua, Commander of the PLA Macao Garrison, and Political Commissar Yang Zhongmin extended the garrison's appreciation for the care and support it has received from Macao people.

(Xinhua News Agency October 4, 2004)