Photo: Screenshot of a kickboxing training video posted by Hong Kong Garrison of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Sina Weibo on May 31.

An expert has said that the Hong Kong Garrison of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) could accelerate the implementation of the national security law in China's Hong Kong Special Administration (HKSAR) as the garrison has gone through intensive kickboxing training, which netizens hint was intended to deter separatists.

The garrison posted a video on its official Sina Weibo showing soldiers pounding on each other and going on long-distance runs. The garrison said the training aims to effectively improve its capability to respond to emergencies and quickly deal with the enemy. The training also involved simulated combat, which focuses on confronting and moving against the enemy.

The members who graduate from the training team will play a key role in the next combat drill and comprehensively improve the garrison's actual combat level, it said.

"After intensive training, the soldiers can become more tenacious, resolute and hard-working in subduing others. They can be tougher and more unyielding when performing special tasks," said Yang Weishuai, a deputy captain of the training team, in the video.

Coach Qiao Kang explained that boxing training can improve soldier's flexibility, strength and speed. Chen Yun, a new member of the training team, said that through the training, he can improve his resistance to strikes and increase his endurance.

The video sparked heated discussion on social media, with many netizens saying the drill will surely be a deterrent to separatists in Hong Kong.

"China has you there, we are very assured," read a typical comment that was widely supported by other commenters.

"Iron fist strikes! Invincible!" said another netizen.

Fan Peng, a member of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, told the Global Times on Tuesday that the training shows the garrison's determination to safeguard the security of Hong Kong and the nation.

As China's top legislature adopted on Thursday a draft decision on Hong Kong's national security legislation at the closing meeting of the Third Session of the 13th National People's Congress, the garrison may join in implementing the national security law, and its duties may expand according to the law, Fan said.  

The garrison assumes the task of safeguarding the sovereignty and integrity of China, Fan said. "If Hong Kong suffers from huge disorder, the garrison can help the HKSAR government restore social stability in accordance with the laws."

The PLA Hong Kong Garrison firmly supports the decision to introduce national security legislation for the HKSAR and the troops have the determination, confidence and ability to safeguard the nation's sovereignty, security, development interests and long-term prosperity and stability in the city, Chen Daoxiang, a Chinese legislator and commander of the garrison, said on May 25 in an interview with the national broadcaster on the sidelines of the two sessions.


Newspaper headline: Netizens hint PLA HK Garrison’s kickboxing training could deter separatists