China Celebrates 60 Years of Communist Power
;)
;)
Message of military might clear for all to see.
The People’s Republic of China celebrated the 60th anniversary of communist rule in spectacular fashion, with a stunning display of military drill and perfect choreography.
China has proved in the past that when it comes to massive set pieces, the country can pull them off in style. The opening ceremony of 2008 Beijing Olympics was testament to that, but in some ways the 60th anniversary of the Communist Party being in power was even more remarkable, as the military might on display inspired equal measures of awe and fear.
5,000 troops of the People’s Liberation Army marched in perfect unison as part of the display followed by tanks, trucks and 52 new-generation weapons systems including nuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles, DH-10 naval ship destroying cruise missiles and aerial drones. The military might on display was a symbol of China’s strength and pride, but also its rapid modernity.
Ten years ago at the 50th anniversary celebrations, twice as many troops were drilled for the parade. This year’s focus was more on China’s technological advancements in weaponry, a pursuit of highly proficient professionalism rather than sheer strength of numbers.
The extraordinary three kilometre procession through Beijing and Tiananmen Square had a limited number of onlookers of just 30,000 guests, while millions more were instructed to stay at home and watch the ceremony on television.
Addressing the nation, President Hu Jintao said that China’s mission was to seek peace: “We have triumphed over all sorts of difficulties and setbacks and risks to gain the great achievements evident to the world. Today, a socialist China geared toward modernisation, the world and the future tower majestically in the east.”
