posted on Aug, 1 2004 @ 12:46 AM
The reason given for such parade which will include 3,000 troops, tanks and helicopters is to promote and boost Chinese nationalism and appeal of
pro-Beijing candidates. Many analysts are dismissing fears that this is a show of force to intimidate against democracy in Hong Kong.
China army readies for big Hong Kong
parade
"I think China wants to churn up patriotic emotions in Hong Kong, hoping that will harmonise the atmosphere in society and win support for
pro-Beijing candidates in the elections," said Ivan Choy, a politics lecturer at City University.
The popularity of Hong Kong's pro-Beijing parties sagged earlier this year after Chinese officials launched stinging attacks on pro-democracy
politicians, accusing them of treachery and calling them clowns.
In April, China's parliament tightened its grip on the city of seven million people and banned direct elections for their leader in 2007, even though
Hong Kong's mini-constitution allowed that possibility.
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
According to a survey conducted by the University of Hong Kong, people's acceptance of the garrison has been increasing since the handover according
to the article. People were suspicious in 1997 when the PLA marched into Hong Kong because of the actions of the Chinese army in the Tiananmen Square
in 1989, but recently it seems the garrison has been gaining acceptance among the people. In a poll conducted by the University of hong Kong, out of
600 respondents 60% stated their satisfaction with the army compared with 56% in April and 42% in 1997.
Related Links
3,000 Soldiers to Stage Parade in Hong Kong
[edit on 1-8-2004 by Muaddib]