PLA to discuss voluntary service in HK
It could be just the chance young people need to show what they are made of.
PLA chiefs will meet representatives from Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee's New People's Party next month after the party collected thousands of signatures from Hongkongers who say they would like young people to train with the army.
Ip said they had been collecting signatures from the public since August and would try to convince the PLA Hong Kong garrison to let people aged 18 to 25 volunteer for a year's training.
'The Hong Kong garrison should think it's doable, too. That's why they agreed to meet us,' Ip (pictured) said.
Earlier this month PLA Chief of General Staff Chen Bingde said Hong Kong people were welcome to join the army. It was the first such comment from a top PLA official since handover.
Party vice-chairman Michael Tien Puk-sun said the signatures were mainly from secondary school pupils, housewives and businessmen.
'The idea was surprisingly well-received,' he said. 'Most parents who signed were only concerned about whether it was voluntary.'
Tien said many employers who signed thought young people could not endure hardship and were not disciplined. 'They hope the youngsters can learn to be more persistent after going through the training.'
He also hoped they could learn more about China.
Ip said they did not know whether those who took part in the training could then join the army, and other details depended on the PLA.
All male citizens on the mainland can enlist in the PLA and are obliged to perform military service if required in time of need under the Military Service Law, but this law does not apply in Hong Kong.
Some legal hurdles will have to be cleared, such as how military law applies in the city if Hongkongers are to be permitted to join the army. Approval from the Central Military Commission will also be needed.
