Hong Kong (CNN)The rotation of fresh Chinese military troops to the Hong Kong garrison sparked widespread concern Thursday, demonstrating how on edge the city is ahead of a thirteenth consecutive weekend of anti-government protests.
In a statement, China’s military said the “annual normal routine action” had been carried out with the approval of the Central Military Commission and the troops would “resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, effectively perform Hong Kong’s defense duties, and safeguard Hong Kong’s prosperity.”
The People’s Liberation Army troop movements were carried out in the dead of the night, and took place at the same time as a rotation of the garrison in neighboring Macao. They were announced by Chinese state media early Thursday morning.
