The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) garrison troops in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Friday conducted its eighth troop rotation since it assumed Hong Kong's defense responsibility on July 1, 1997.

The annual rotation started at midnight when a number of military vehicles of the ground troops rolled across the Lok Ma Chau checkpoint into Hong Kong under the escort of the Hong Kong police.

Six military helicopters landed at the Skek Kong Barracks in the morning. The last part of the rotation was carried out at the Stonecutters Island Naval Base.

The naval rotation involved a missile escort vessel, a landing ship and a patrol vessel.

Wang Jitang, commander of the PLA garrison troops in HK said at the rotation ceremony held at the Stonecutter Island Navy Base the annual rotation was conducted in accordance with the HKSAR Garrison Law of the People's Republic of China.

The size of the forces remained unchanged in both personnel and weaponry after the rotation, said Colonel Qin Jijun, spokesman for the PLA garrison troops in Hong Kong.

The successors of the rotated staff will continue to abide by laws and make contributions to safeguarding the long-term stability and prosperity of Hong Kong, the spokesman said.

(Xinhua News Agency November 26, 2005)