The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) has accomplished its defense mission over the past five years since Macao returned to the motherland, said a senior commander of the troops.

Yang Zhongmin, political commissar of the PLA Garrison Troops in the Macao SAR said in a recent interview with reporters from the state press, that the army is characterized by strict discipline, proficiency in military training, modernized equipment and heartfelt service for the people.

Soon after the army arrived in Macao upon the founding of the SAR on Dec. 20, 1999, officers and soldiers were organized to study the Basic Law of Macao SAR as well as regulations concerning military operation and Macao, and received close-door operation and military training.

Yang said that some 43,000 soldiers stationed in four rotations in the troops over the past five years. No violation of laws and disciplines occurred.

The garrison stationed in two barracks and the headquarters building has set up emergency teams to keep alert all year round in line with the requirements of anti-terrorism, anti-violence and maintaining social order, said the officer.

He said that officers and soldiers in the troops are taught to respect Macao's customs and habit, and people's religious believesand take an active part in public welfare activities, such as voluntarily planting trees and beautifying surroundings of barracks, donating 100,000 Hong Kong dollars (12,800 US dollars) to public funds and some 200,000 soldiers and officers donating blood to local hospitals.

The garrison's operation has received a big support from the SAR government and people in Macao. The SAR government allotted two plots to the garrison to build the headquarters building and apermanent barrack in December 2000, both of which opened this year.

Chief Executive of the Macao SAR Edmund Ho Hau Wah recently praised the PLA Garrison stationed in Macao as a powerful guarantee for Macao's long-term of security and stability.