Organization of the People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison began in 1993, and was complete by the end of January 1996. On June 30th, 1997, the night before the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong, a People Liberation's advance guard entered Hong Kong through Huanggang Port; the following morning, the main force of about 4,500 formally took station in Hong Kong. These forces replaced the British forces stationed in Hong Kong and took over defense duties of Hong Kong.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) announced at that time that the main force of the People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison included ten boats, six helicopters, 21 armored personnel carriers, more than 400 other vehicles, and more than 4000 officers and soldiers.

The People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison is China's armed force stationed in Hong Kong. The unit is composed of troops from the army, navy, and air force, all headquartered in Shenzhen. According to the Basic Law of Hong Kong and the Law of the People's Republic of China on Garrisoning the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the "Garrison Law"), the People's Liberation Army is responsible for the defense of Hong Kong, while the Hong Kong Police Force is responsible for internal security. The Hong Kong Garrison also serves as a symbol of the CCP's efforts to wash away the "Century of Humiliation" and to promote "One Country, Two Systems" in Hong Kong. It is stated in a number of Chinese articles on the Hong Kong Garrison that its basic duties are in the following order: "To proclaim sovereignty declaration; to maintain stability; disaster relief; and defense operations".

References: [中國文化研究院("Academy of Chinese Studies")(Chinese)] (https://ls.chiculture.org.hk/tc/idea-aspect/632); [風傳媒 ("Storm Media Group")(Chinese)] (https://new7.storm.mg/article/2812654); 端傳媒("Initium Media")(Chinese)