opinionFor the thousands of Chinese soldiers stationed in Hong Kong, the pen, it appears, is mightier than the sword. PLA soldiers also handed guests goody bags filled with camouflage hats, flags, water, biscuits, and a bun. While its precise numbers are unknown, foreign envoys and diplomats believe the PLA garrison in Hong Kong is made up of between 8,000-10,000 personnel, including infantry and special forces troops. FILE PHOTO: People's Liberation Army naval soldiers stand in front of a banner which reads 'Hope Hong Kong has an even better tomorrow' at a naval base, celebrating the 19th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover to Chinese sovereignty from British rule, in Hong Kong July 1, 2016. REUTERS/Bobby Yip/File PhotoThe force is split between a network of barracks and facilities inherited from the British military in Hong Kong, as well as bases across the border in Guangdong, where its jet fighter planes are kept.

Source: Sunday Times June 30, 2017 06:00 UTC