Forces 'will stick to the rules'

A mainland military chief yesterday vowed all troops posted to Hong Kong would show strict discipline and adherence to the Basic Law.

General Shi Yuxiao, political commissar of the Guangzhou Military Region, made the promise as he addressed 3,000 soldiers and civilians in Tianhe Sports Stadium.

All the troops would scrupulously observe the law and policies of the Communist Party Central Committee relating to Hong Kong, and diligently uphold the constitution and Hong Kong Basic Law and garrison law, General Shi said.

'They will guard the national sovereignty and national territory, preserve the long-term stability and prosperity of Hong Kong and make their contribution for the smooth transition of Macau and final resolution of the Taiwan issue,' he said, to loud applause.

The meeting was the biggest official event in Guangzhou yesterday to mark the handover.

Celebrations were held in other parts of the city as well as the rest of Guangdong.