China's armed forces go stylish

2007-09-09 00:00

Hu Jintao (front R), General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Chinese President, Chairman of the Central Military Commission, reviews troops of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on June 30, 2007

Now that the vast majority of Chinese civilians have adopted western-style clothes and trendy urbanites on the hunt for cool items in tune with world fashion trends, the 2.3 million people serving in the country's military are also doing a style catch-up.

Soldiers of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison wait to be inspected by Hu Jintao, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Chinese President, Chairman of the Central Military Commission, in Hong Kong, south China on June 30, 2007.

(Clockwise, from top L) Troops in formations of guard of honor, army, navy, helicopters, armored force and air force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) stand to attention at the Stonecutters Island (Ngong Shuen Chau) Naval Base in this combo photo taken on June 30, 2007.

Brand new ceremonial and casual uniforms -- and new battle fatigues -- were unveiled in Hong Kong on July 1, the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China, unleashing a loud hurrah from the mainland's enlisted men.