PLA garrison in Macao SAR opens barracks to public

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison stationed in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) opened barracks on Taipa to the public on Thursday.

The event, which will last until Saturday, is open to all walks of life in Macao, including primary, middle school and university students, focusing on showing the results of the garrison's military training and the army's people-friendly image.

The open day began with a national flag-raising ceremony, followed by soldiers of the garrison staging various military exercises and performances on subjects, including mixed martial arts, disaster relief, coordinated combat operation, and counter-terrorism operation.

In the interactive experiencing zone, local students and other citizens got a hands-on experience of military life. They participated in activities, such as armored vehicle shooting simulator and basic tactical movements.

"I think the PLA soldiers are so mighty, strong and handsome," said a student.

"What was most striking to me today was the reconnaissance-strike drone used in the counter-terrorism exercise. It made me realize how rapidly science and technology are advancing day by day. And I have a much deeper understanding of the military profession now," said another student.

Inside the Military Exhibition Hall of the PLA Macao Garrison, students also got the chance to know about the PLA's historic journey from victory to victory.

This was the 20th time that the barracks opened to the public since 2005, which is aimed to improve the communication between the garrison and Macao residents. This year, the event has upgraded from simple military demonstrations by PLA soldiers to a much more immersed experience for visitors.

PLA garrison in Macao SAR opens barracks to public

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that the "Pentagon is lying" about the cost of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran launched on February 28.

In a post on X, Araghchi said that "Netanyahu's gamble has directly cost America 100 billion U.S. dollars so far, four times what is claimed."

"Indirect costs for U.S. taxpayers are far higher. Monthly bill for each American household is 500 U.S. dollars and rising fast," he added.

Citing three people familiar with the matter, CNN reported on Friday that the 25-billion-U.S.-dollar estimate "that a top Pentagon official gave to lawmakers on Wednesday for the total cost to date of the Iran war is a lowball figure," which "does not include the cost of repairing extensive damage suffered by U.S. bases in the region."

One source said the real cost estimate is closer to 40-50 billion U.S. dollars "when accounting for the costs of rebuilding U.S. military installations and replacing destroyed assets."

Iranian FM says 'Pentagon is lying' about cost of US-Israel war on Iran