WEARING casual clothes in the sticky heat, 30 Chinese soldiers turned up yesterday to inspect the spectacular new convention centre extension where Britain will formally return the territory to China on Monday, writes Conor O'Clery.
They caused a stir among journalists at a nearby press centre, until a Hong Kong police spokesman said they were members of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) orchestra, checking acoustics rather than security, which is the sole responsibility of the police.
The soldiers expressed themselves satisfied after a brief tour.
Some 4,000 dignitaries will witness the end of 156 years of colonial rule in a midnight ceremony in the hall on June 30th. A 120 strong PLA marching band will also join a parade in Hong Kong on Wednesday, softening its image as the perpetrators of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown.
Meanwhile, future Chief Justice Andrew Li announced yesterday that Hong Kong judges and barristers can retain Britishstyle gowns and wigs under Chinese communist rule.
And doglovers' eyes were moist as Hong Kong's "first dogs", the pets of Governor Chris Patten, were made ready for their departure today. The pair, Whisky and Soda, will spend up to six months in France to comply with British quarantine regulations.