AP , HONG KONG
Monday, Aug 02, 2004,Page 1
A soldier sips a drink and talks on his mobile phone yesterday on the 77th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). China held a giant military parade in Hong Kong yesterday to celebrate the PLA's anniversary.
PHOTO: AP
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/photo/2004/08/02/2003140466China's military staged its first parade in Hong Kong yesterday, with 3,000 soldiers marching crisply in formation as others rode in armored vehicles and helicopters, as part of efforts by Beijing to boost patriotism and soothe lingering political tensions.
The pro-democracy figures hold annual candlelight vigils commemorating the deaths of hundreds if not thousands of unarmed people in a PLA crackdown on pro-democracy activists in Beijing in 1989.
Despite Beijing's apparent goodwill gesture, Yeung didn't think it was a breakthrough.
"This is just a ceremony and not real communication," Yeung said, adding that they didn't have a chance to talk with mainland officials at the event.
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