Peoples' Liberation Army troops on the march

China Reveals Troop Plans For Hong Kong

The Governor, Chris Patten, has condemned the move. He said it'll send the wrong message to the world and called it "a most appalling signal to the people of Hong Kong".

The significance of the plans, and the corresponding worry in the minds of Hong Kong's people, is linked to the armoured personnel carriers. Such vehicles were used disastrous effect in the Tiananmen Square massacre, an event that brought one million Hong Kong citizens out in demonstration against China's actions.

Patten denounces plans

Patten: "It's a bad idea and I hope they reconsider"

Governor Patten has denounced the move by his successor, Tung Chee-hwa, for it's timing and the message it gives to the outside world. He said the fact that the influx would coincide with the main American evening news was a "most unfortunate" message to give. "We shall continue to make representations, and hope that the decision is reversed." he said.

Pro-Democracy campaigner Emily Lau expressed peoples' reaction "We don't need so many, and we don't need them to come in such a fashion - by land, by air, by sea ... Come on, Hong Kong people are very worried by this decision." she said.

Chris Patten wipes away a tear at the Last Night of the Proms in Hong Kong

The Chinese authorities have been quite open about their plans. They say the troops who will be entering Hong Kong are the most disciplined in the Peoples' Liberation Army. They have also allowed journalists access to film army training - well aware that the images would be shown in Hong Kong, and the message that would give.

Meanwhile Hong Kong's stock exchange and legislature have held their last sessions under British rule. The Hang Seng index closed at a record high, reflecting investor confidence.

The legislature rushed through a series of last-minute laws. But the new Chinese authorities have already said many of them will be unacceptable.