Chinese parade aims to boost patriotism

CHINA’s military yesterday staged its first parade in Hong Kong with 3,000 soldiers marching crisply in formation as others rode in armoured vehicles and helicopters, as part of Beijing’s efforts to boost patriotism and soothe lingering political tensions.

Hong Kong’s people have been incensed at China’s refusal to speed up democracy. The former British colony was guaranteed Western-style civil rights (nonexistent in the mainland) when it was handed to China in 1997.

The People’s Liberation Army invited all of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy lawmakers to the march. Some said they were impressed.