CHINESE troops stationed in Hong Kong after 1997 plan to set up a radio station as part of a strategy to build up friendly ties with the community, according to a pro-China magazine.
The Mirror Monthly said in its latest issue that plan for a radio station - similar to that run by the British Garrison - was under consideration by China's top military body responsible for defence in the Special Administrative Region (SAR).
'The PLA cannot simply copy the method adopted on the mainland in developing military-civilian relations for the SAR, particularly in view of the fact that there is still a gap between Hong Kong people and the People's Liberation Army [PLA],' the magazine said.
The relevant departments, it said, had been collecting information on relations between British troops and civilians.
'It is expected that the PLA will follow the practice of the British troops and set up its own broadcast station to help deepen public understanding of Chinese troops.
'Like the British Garrison, it might also organise open days in the barracks to help remove misunderstandings. When the conditions are ripe, it will organise some recreational activities.
'Military hospitals should also be gradually opened to the public,' it said.
