President Xi Jinping Signs Appointment Of Former Xinjiang Police Chief As Commander Of The PLA Garrison In Hong Kong

JAKARTA - The Chinese government has appointed a former paramilitary chief, Peng Jingtang, as the new commander of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) garrison in Hong Kong, state broadcaster CCTV reported late Sunday citing a PLA spokesman.

Peng, who holds the rank of major general, was previously the deputy chief of staff of China's paramilitary police force, the People's Armed Police. His appointment was signed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, CCTV said, citing Reuters Jan. 10.

According to the Global Times, a nationalist tabloid published by the People's Daily, Peng was previously the chief of staff of the Armed Police Force in Xinjiang, where Washington says Beijing is committing genocide against Uighur Muslims and other Muslim groups. Meanwhile, China denies abuses in Xinjiang.

The PLA maintains a garrison in Hong Kong, but its activities are mostly low profile. Under the mini-constitution of the global financial center, Basic Law, defense, and foreign affairs are administered by Communist Party leaders in Beijing.

According to CCTV, General Peng said in his new appointment he would cooperate with all members of the garrison to follow orders from the ruling Communist Party and President Xi. Firmly defend national sovereignty and security interests.

To note, Hong Kong was returned to Chinese rule from the British government in 1997, with the promise of broad individual rights to be protected.

But pro-democracy activists and rights groups say freedoms have been eroding, particularly since China imposed a new national security law after months of violent pro-democracy protests in 2019.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong and Chinese authorities deny restrictions on freedoms, saying the laws are necessary to restore order after prolonged unrest.