The move is seen as an attempt to ease tension before poll
The PLA garrison has for the first time invited all pro-democracy legislators to attend a military parade on the anniversary of the army's founding. It is the latest in a series of moves aimed at reducing political tension in the run-up to the Legislative Council election.
The invitation came as Beijing announced that China's Olympic gold medallists would embark on a charm offensive in Hong Kong in early September, days before voting in the most significant polls since the handover.
Both moves are being seen as efforts to reinforce feelings of patriotism and boost the chances of pro-Beijing politicians.
However, City University political scientist Ivan Choy Chi-keung said they would have little effect on the outcome of the election, in which the democrats are expected to gain seats.
The parade will be held on August 1, the PLA's 77th anniversary, at the Sek Kong barracks. All 60 legislators, government leaders, society figures and members of the public have been invited to watch.
An official at the central government's liaison office said the parade, the first of its kind in the city, was 'very meaningful' for Hong Kong.
