Hong Kong hands over military dock to China

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ANKARA (AA) - The local government in Hong Kong on Tuesday handed over the region's central military dock to China’s People's Liberation Army (PLA).

The development was termed as “historic” by Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, Chinese daily Global Times reported.

Lam said the handover of the dock to the PLA “fully demonstrates the Hong Kong’s relationship with the central authorities under 'one country, two systems' and carries important constitutional significance”.

The 15-meter military dock, located in the downtown area on the northern shore of the semi-autonomous region, will be now managed by the PLA’s Hong Kong Garrison.

Unnamed Chinese military experts told the Global Times that handing over the military dock will “help the PLA deal with terrorism-related activities and meet China's actual needs amid frequent foreign interference in Hong Kong affairs”.

The move comes after China imposed the national security act in Hong Kong this July triggering criticism by western nations who termed it as a move strengthening Beijing’s grip over the region.

Lam said since 1997 when Hong Kong was handed over to Beijing by the UK, the PLA Hong Kong Garrison has used and managed 18 military sites for defense purposes.

Only the central military dock was held back “due to various challenges in reclamation works”, she added.

“The handover of the military dock means that the Hong Kong government has completely fulfilled its relevant responsibilities,” said Lam.