China celebrates 60 years of communist rule with parades and
fireworks
Ruwini JAYAWARDANA in Beijing
The People's Republic of China celebrated 60 years of communist rule
yesterday in grand style amidst parades, pageants and fireworks.
A colourful display of China's rich cultural items in the form of
song and dance accompanied by some of the country's latest military
equipment turned Beijing's has to offer.
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People perform during National Day celebrations in Beijing on
October 1, 2009. AFP |
The parade which consisted of two sections: a display of the
country's military strength and mass demonstration, kicked off with a
60-gun salute.
President Hu Jintao, on inspecting the groups from an open limousine,
said in his speech that China's economic and technological progress had
come through years of hard work. He further stressed that it is only
through socialism that the country will be able to progress and that the
nation will continue to follow socialism guidelines.
"We hope for peaceful co-existence and harmonious co-operation with
other countries," he noted.
The parade which depicted China's upheaval as a global power also
displayed four giant portraits of late Chinese leaders Chairman Mao
Zedong, chief architect of China's economic reform Deng Xiaoping, former
President Jiang Zemin and incumbent Hu Jintao, escorted by around 36,
000 marchers.
In addition upgraded intercontinental DF-31 nuclear missiles,
advanced short-range DF-11 and DF-15 missiles, sea-skimming YJ-83
anti-ship missiles and DH-10 long-range cruise missiles and some of the
other latest military equipment were displayed to the public for the
first time. Domestically produced J-10 jet fighters also took to the
skies over the heads of gaping spectators.
Around 34 floats featuring a variety of themes from 'self-reliance'
from Mao's era to the Hu's 'scientific development' caught the interest
of many.
These also featured China's achievements ranging from scientific
discoveries and Olympic victories to agricultural development.
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People perform during National Day celebrations in Beijing on
October 1, 2009. AFP |
Space program, democracy and education also took the forefront in the
parade while participants dressed in traditional costumes representing
the 56 ethnic groups of the nation. All these activities are arranged to
set forth a clear message to the world: China's unquestionable muscle as
a powerful force in the globe.
China's Independence day celebrations have always been a spectacle of
glamour and interest. However this year's celebrations topped the list
with around 200, 000 people witnessing the celebrations.
With 60, 000 doves of peace and a number of colourful balloons being
released to the skies the two and a half hour parade came to a close
with the promise of a fireworks display and a song and dance filled
evening gala to follow towards late evening. |
