Did China secretly double its military presence in Hong Kong?

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China Has Significantly Increased Its Military Presence in Hong Kong, Envoys Report

Asian and Western envoys in Hong Kong believe that the troop deployment in late August constituted a reinforcement rather than a routine rotation. These diplomatic sources estimate that the total number of Chinese military personnel stationed in the city has more than doubled since the commencement of anti-government protests. The current contingent is believed to range between 10,000 and 12,000 individuals, a substantial increase from the previous estimate of 3,000 to 5,000. This build-up is understood to include elements of the People's Armed Police (PAP), a paramilitary force specifically trained in riot suppression and crowd control.
Increased Troop Numbers and Movement

Envoys speaking to Reuters indicated that they did not observe a significant number of existing forces departing the city prior to or immediately following the August deployment, suggesting it was indeed a reinforcement. The estimated troop numbers, now between 10,000 and 12,000, represent a more than twofold increase from the 3,000 to 5,000 personnel previously stationed in Hong Kong. Reuters reporters have also noted a marked increase in the movement of troops and armored vehicles at People's Liberation Army (PLA) bases within Hong Kong.
Inclusion of People's Armed Police

A significant aspect of this reinforcement, according to five diplomats, is the inclusion of elements from the People's Armed Police (PAP). The PAP is a mainland paramilitary force distinct from the PLA, primarily tasked with internal security and riot suppression. These troops are equipped and trained in non-lethal tactics and crowd control methods, making them a key component for potential crackdowns. Historically, the PAP has been utilized to contain unrest in regions such as Xinjiang and Tibet.
Chinese Government Response and Military Drills

While official Chinese government bodies, including the Ministry of National Defense and the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, did not respond to specific inquiries, a spokeswoman for the latter stated that China would not "sit idly by" if the situation in Hong Kong continued to deteriorate. Concurrently, Chinese military forces have been observed conducting anti-riot drills within their Hong Kong bases in recent weeks, with Reuters reporters witnessing such exercises involving helmeted troops equipped with rifles, shields, and batons.

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Did China secretly double its military presence in Hong Kong?

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