Peeking out from behind the trees the Chek Chue Barracks awaits. These barracks tell a tale of shifting powers. The Chek Chue Barracks also known as Stanley Barracks stands as a silent witness to Hong Kong’s colonial past.
The Chinese name “Chek Chue” means Bandit’s Post or red pillar. Stanley is a coastal town with this peninsula on Hong Kong Island. The English name “Stanley” honors Lord Stanley. He was the British Colonial Secretary and later Prime Minister.
After Hong Kong’s annexation in 1842 the British briefly made Stanley the administrative center. Later it moved to Victoria City now Central. During the Battle of Hong Kong British and Canadian troops made their last stand at Stanley Fort. The survivors surrendered to Japanese forces in December 1941.
Now fast forward to 1997. The fort once the British Army barracks in Stanley is now occupied by the People’s Liberation Army. The Chek Chue Barracks have been transformed.
The Hong Kong Garrison is responsible for defense duties since the 1997 handover. The garrison is headquartered in the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Forces Hong Kong Building. The size of the Hong Kong garrison is approximately 10000-12000 personnel.
The Hong Kong Garrison includes elements of the People’s Liberation Army Ground Force. It also includes the PLA Navy and PLA Air Force. These forces are under the direct leadership of the Central Military Commission in Beijing. They are under the administrative control of the Southern Theater Command.
The Hong Kong Garrison reports to both the Southern Theater Command and Central Military Commission in Beijing. It informs the Hong Kong Government of any actions.
There are 19 sites occupied by the Garrison across Hong Kong. Chek Chue Barracks is one of these bases. The bases within Hong Kong are former British facilities.
The naval presence in Hong Kong is a limited sub-station with a small flotilla of ships. Various ships of the People’s Liberation Army Navy visit the base.
Chek Chue Barracks stands as a symbol of transition. It echoes with the stories of soldiers past and present. It reflects Hong Kong’s ever-changing identity. It reminds us that history is not just about dates and battles. It is about the places where these events unfolded. It is about the ground beneath our feet.