September 1, 2024: Hong Kong has become the major source for supplying sanctioned nations with weapons and munitions. A current customer is Russia. Hong Kong does this by allowing Russian tankers and cargo ships, operating with fake credentials to disguise their Russian affiliation, to bring in Russian oil and other raw materials. The Russian ships then leave Hong Kong carrying weapons for their war in Ukraine.

This is not a new activity for Hong Kong, which has been in the smuggling business for decades. Since 2004 Hong Kong firms have been using their port city to smuggle Chinese-made weapons to foreign customers who are sanctioned and unable to obtain weapons legally.

Meanwhile China has been increasing its military hold on Hong Kong. In 1997, Britain returned Hong Kong to Chinese control, after the 99-year lease Britain had on the territory was not renewed by China. Hong Kong was allowed to maintain some economic and administrative autonomy but the police and military garrison were now under the control of China.

Initially, the Chinese Hong Kong garrison consisted of one infantry brigade of four battalions plus support units. The garrison is there to defend the city against internal unrest, rather than external threats. For the troops, it's a choice assignment, as Hong Kong is a cool place to live if you are young. Most of the Chinese troops are young. Duty in Hong has other advantages as the Chinese troops took over the old British barracks and then upgraded and expanded those facilities.

The Chinese garrison is there to protect economic activities and maintain order. The Hong Kong smugglers are considered an important part of the local economy and worth protecting.