Major General Tan Benhong, the new leader for PLA’s Hong Kong garrison
Hainan commander to assume top position as outgoing Wang Xiaojun thanks HK for support
The military commander of Hainan, Major General Tan Benhong, is to replace Lieutenant General Wang Xiaojun as head of the People's Liberation Army's Hong Kong garrison.
Tan, 57, has led the Hainan military command, which comes under the greater Guangzhou military area command, since April 2012. He was chief of staff of the Hong Kong garrison from May to August 2007.
Hong Kong garrison spokesman Liu Fengxian confirmed that Wang, 62, would be appointed deputy commander of the Guangzhou military area command, one of seven main PLA jurisdictions, Xinhua reported.
Tan said he would "carry out defence responsibilities … and contribute to Hong Kong's prosperity and stability by working together with Hong Kong people". Wang thanked Hongkongers for their support, a military spokesman said.
Wang had led the Hong Kong garrison for only 21 months. He was promoted to lieutenant general three months before his Hong Kong appointment in October 2012.
Wang was promoted to PLA commander of Hainan in March 2004 and served in different positions with the Guangzhou military area command before he was promoted to deputy commander of the Shenyang military area command in 2010.