Special to WorldTribune.com

Miles Yu, Washington Times

Maj. Gen. Liu Xiaojun, the high-flying commanding officer of the People’s Liberation Army contingent in freewheeling Hong Kong, was abruptly relieved of command recently and reassigned to the Guangzhou Military Region in a new position believed to be mostly ceremonial.

His replacement is a Russian-trained PLA general known for his intimate knowledge of Hong Kong affairs.

Gen. Liu’s relief, two years earlier than the usual four-year stint, came two weeks after a mass demonstration in Hong Kong demanding democratic elections.

Beijing offered no official explanations about the military move.

As the ultimate symbol of China’s sovereign control over the former British colony, the PLA’s Hong Kong Garrison commands about 6,000 troops.

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  Beijing toughens PLA command in Hong Kong, LIFE, Maj. Gen. Liu Xiaojun, WorldTribune.com