Reuters: China quietly doubles troop levels in Hong Kong, envoys say
There are now up to 12,000 Chinese troops in Hong Kong, diplomats tell Reuters. Among them: members of the People’s Armed Police, a paramilitary force that answers to Xi Jinping. If China moves to put down protests in the city, they will likely do the job.
Last month, Beijing moved thousands of troops across the border into this restive city. They came in on trucks and armored cars, by bus and by ship.
The state news agency Xinhua described the operation as a routine “rotation” of the low-key force China has kept in Hong Kong since the city’s handover from Britain in 1997. No mention was made of the anti-government protests that have been shaking the metropolis since June.
It was a plausible report: China has maintained a steady level of force in the territory for years, regularly swapping troops in and out. And days earlier, according to an audio recording obtained by Reuters, embattled Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam had told local businesspeople that China had “absolutely no plan” to order the army to put down the demonstrations.
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WNU editor: China is prepared for a worst case scenario in Hong Kong. And what is the worst case scenario? It is riots erupting throughout Hong Kong and a complete collapse of Hong Kong's security forces and police, and all of this happening tomorrow on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
More News On China Doubling Its Troop Deployment In Hong Kong
China Doubles Troop Presence in Hong Kong as Protests Turn Violent --US News and World Report
Chinese troop presence in Hong Kong doubled: report -- The Hill
Police warn of 'violent' attack in Hong Kong on key Chinese anniversary -- The Hill
China Doubles Troop Deployment In Hong Kong As It Braces For A "Worst-Case Scenario" -- Zero Hedge
