China's Army Turns on Charm With Weekend Shows
- PLA performers depict an armed force dedicated to city
- Messages follow Xi Jinping’s recent call for unity with China
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From 700 sailors spelling out "Hello Hong Kong” on the deck to youthful soldiers singing about iPads and smart phones, China’s People’s Liberation Army used the first port call in Hong Kong by its aircraft carrier to turn on the charm.
The PLA opted for a message of unity in a weekend slate of public events for the Liaoning battle group. The approach comes amid skepticism in Hong Kong about China adhering to the "one country two systems" arrangement that has overseen its governance for 20 years, and after a visiting President Xi Jinping recently warned challenges to China’s rule wouldn’t be tolerated.