60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China
Encyclopedia
The 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China
took place on October 1, 2009. A military parade involving 10,000 troops and the display of many high-tech weapons was held in Tiananmen Square
in Beijing and various celebrations were conducted all over the country. This parade was immediately followed by a civilian parade involving 100,000 participants.
The People's Republic of China was founded on October 1, 1949. Since then, celebrations of varying scales occur on National Day
each year. Military parades, presided over by Chairman Mao Zedong
, were held every year between 1949 and 1959. In September 1960, the Chinese leadership decided that in order to save funds and "be frugal", large-scale ceremonies for National Day would only be held every ten years, with a smaller-scale ceremony every five years. The last large-scale celebration during the Mao era was in 1969. Large-scale celebrations did not take place for 14 years amidst the climax of the Cultural Revolution
. Since then, the most prominent National Day celebrations have taken place in 1984 and 1999, at the 35th and 50th anniversaries respectively. During these celebrations, then-paramount leader
Deng Xiaoping
and Jiang Zemin
reviewed military parades of the People's Liberation Army
. The 2009 parade was the first and last time Hu Jintao
oversaw this task, as he will leave office in 2012 due to term limits.
, also known as 'Avenue of Eternal Peace'. Flowers in Tiananmen Square were under 24-hour surveillance; Beijing Jinggong Red Flag factory is producing 2 million national flags for the celebrations. In Tiananmen Square itself, 56 "pillars of national unity" – each one symbolizing the 56 ethnic groups in China – were erected, with each containing fireworks for the night event on 1 October. 800,000 volunteers controlled crowds and maintained order while a further 30,000 provided translation services at subway and bus stations.
Mosquitoes, rats, flies, and cockroaches were the targets of professional exterminators – four unannounced night-time sweeps were carried out around Tiananmen Square
in Beijing, including in the Forbidden City
complex. The public was encouraged to support the eradication through red slogan banners along Beijing streets and alleys, in what The Times said was reminiscent of the Four Pests campaign
. One of these slogans read: “Eradicate the four pests, stress hygiene. Cleanly, cleanly welcome National Day!”
Tiananmen Square was sealed off for the day on August 29 for the first rehearsals. Tens of thousands of fully costumed performers rehearsed on September 16. The military also prepared, with several hundred vehicles rolling down Chang'an Avenue on September 6. parts of Beijing were closed down on September 18 for the final rehearsals of the anniversary parade. Police cleared streets and office buildings on the main roadways near Tiananmen Square from noon onwards for rehearsals that evening. State media went into overdrive, for example, highlighting how thousands of troops spent four months drilling to march in step on a mock practice ground with scale model of Chang'an Avenue - complete with the leadership reviewing stand. Following disruptions caused by the drills, which shut down roads and large parts of the Beijing Subway
, Xinhua News Agency
announced that the final rehearsal parade, scheduled for September 26, was called off.
". Police in Beijing and neighbouring provinces were in a heightened state of readiness, with night patrols by armed police lasting from September 15 until the end of the festivities. All basements in the city were subject to inspection by police, while some restaurants with roof terraces were not permitted to seat patrons on sides overlooking the street for the duration. However, despite the supposed high alert around Beijing, a man armed with a knife killed two people and injured 12 in the heart of Beijing on September 17. Peter Ford of the Christian Science Monitor
said that the stabbing incident had been played down locally. Following the attacks, however, the knives were removed from sale at some stores such as Wal-Mart
and Carrefour
.
Thousands of paramilitary officers were deployed at bridges, road tunnels and other strategic points in the city. Residents were warned that if they stepped out onto balconies along the route, they might be shot. 30,000 people with tickets have been invited to watch the event, but others were encouraged to watch it on television to "avoid complications."
The Times says the authorities engaged counter-terrorist units and informers in districts where Xinjiang Muslims live, placed Tibetan Buddhists under surveillance, and arrested dissidents. Peasants coming to the capital to present their grievances as petitions were blocked. while the government ordered the search of all cars entering Beijing. The security drives organised by the Ministry of Public Security in Beijing, as well as neighbouring Hebei
, Liaoning
, Shandong
and Shanxi provinces, the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region and the Tianjin Municipality was dubbed a "Security Moat" by a senior official. The official said the "safety of China's National Day celebrations and stability in Beijing was of overriding importance." The Times reported Internet users saying censorship
has been tightened: many sites have been blocked, among them Facebook and Twitter; one media analyst said that the authorities upgraded their technology to block free proxy services
and were trying to block any free proxy services and VPNs
during the week prior to the anniversary.
Other security arrangements in place included relocation of mailboxes and newspaper stands along Chang'an Avenue
and the closure or restricted opening of some of the hotels along the route (ex. the Beijing Hotel
, the Beijing News Plaza Hotel, and the Beijing International Hotel). Other hotels on Chang'an Avenue closed guest rooms facing the main road during the celebrations.
A film entitled The Founding of a Republic
, commissioned by China's film regulator and made by the China Film Group
(CFG) to mark the anniversary, was released nationwide on September 17. The film retells the tale of the Communist ascendancy and triumph, with a star-studded cast including Zhang Ziyi
, Jackie Chan
, Jet Li
, and directors Jiang Wen
, Chen Kaige
and John Woo
in mostly cameos appearances; the leading roles – such as Mao Zedong
– were played by lesser known actors. CFG chairman Han Sanping
co-directed the film with Huang Jianxin
. A CFG spokesman said many stars answered Han's call to appear in the film and waived their fee, helping it keep its modest budget of 60–70 million yuan (US$8.8–$10 million). According to the executive at one of China's top multiplex chains, the film unusually married "the core of an 'ethically inspiring' film" – code for propaganda films, according to the Associated Press – "with commercial packaging."
for the event. Hu Jintao
, in his position as the paramount leader
, presided over the military parade. In addition, all members of the current Politburo Standing Committee, along with the former CPC General Secretary, President Jiang Zemin
, stood atop Tiananmen
in protocol order
for the entire duration of the parade. Other prominent retired leaders, including former NPCSC Chairman Li Peng
, former Premier Zhu Rongji
, former Vice-President Zeng Qinghong
, and others, were also in attendance.
, with the country's leaders watching the parade from Tiananmen
, above Mao's portrait. Hu Jintao inspected the troops standing onto a Hongqi
HQE
limousine designed for the event, with a special license plate (京V 02009). For the anniversary, the Chinese government budgeted roughly $44 million for the military parade, with some budget cuts due to the recent global financial crisis. The parade displayed 52 new types of military hardware, including ZTZ99 main battle tanks, J-10
fighter aircraft, KJ-200
and KJ-2000 early-warning aircraft, Z-9W
attack helicopters
, and new models of the Type 95
and Type 03
assault rifles
.
The five new types of missiles were paraded by the Second Artillery Corps. The Second Artillery's display included a total of 108 missiles and was intended to showcase China's strategic deterrence capabilities.
, which was immediately followed by similar floats with equally large portraits of Deng Xiaoping
, Jiang Zemin
, and Hu Jintao
. On each of these portraits were inscribed slogans of each leader's signature ideologies: Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory
, the Three Represents
, and the Scientific Development Concept
. Voice recordings of each leader were also played through loudspeakers. A float with 181 foreigners from 53 countries named "One World" also took part.
List of card sequence
Civilian parade
was responsible for the live broadcast of the National Day celebrations and military parade, from 8:00 am (CST) to noon, on CCTV-1
, CCTV-3
, CCTV-4
, CCTV-7
, CCTV-10
, CCTV-12
, CCTV News Channel
, CCTV-HD
and CCTV Music Channel, as well as in other languages (English
, French, Spanish
, Arabic
and Russian
on each of their respective language international channels), both on TV and online. CCTV-9
(English) rebroadcast the celebrations at 16:00, 24:00, and 7:00 (October 2).
China National Radio
provided live audio coverage throughout mainland China
on CNR channels 1, 2, 3, 4, and 9; the Hong Kong and Macau
region on CNR channel 7; and Taiwan
on CNR channel 5.
, with a series of massive fireworks displays overhead. Early media reports earlier predicted that the fireworks presentation would be "double the firepower of the 2008 Olympics opening ceremony
". CCTV viewers and Internet users around the world were also both able to watch the live broadcast of the gala.
Chapter One: Great Motherland
Chapter Two: Our Birth Place
Chapter Three: On This Vast Land
Chapter Four: Sunshine Everywhere
(" * " denotes a translation of the song's title different from the officially provided CCTV title)
on September 16 to commemorate the anniversary. A total of 60,700 gold coins with face value
s of ¥
10,000, 2,000 yuan, and 100 yuan were issued, while a total of 106,000 silver coins with the face values of 300 and 10 yuan issued. All the coins, produced by Shenzhen Guobao Mint and Shenyang Mint, and distributed by the China Gold Coin Incorporation, are legal tender.
The obverse of the coins features China's national emblem, set in a frieze of peonies. The reverse includes various designs including a rocket, a satellite, a high-speed train, and the Beijing Olympic Stadium. Other forms will show designs of an open gate, a bridge, or urban construction. They bear Chinese characters saying: "In commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, 1949–2009."
On October 20, 2009, the China National Philatelic Corporation
issued three collections in commemoration of the 60th Anniversary. There are two stamp albums priced at ¥380 and ¥680 and a stamp scroll priced at ¥1,280. Hongkong Post
issues a set of six commemorative stamps
and a stamp sheetlet on October 1. Unlike most stamps, the set of stamps are fan-shaped and form a circle when placed together (as seen in the souvenir sheet configuration). Their pictorial design is based on the winning entries of a competition: Victoria Harbour
and Tiananmen Square are depicted on two interlocking cogwheels on the $1.40 stamp; the five-star national flag flying by the side of the "Forever Blooming Bauhinia" ($1.80). The Bird's Nest stadium
is on the $2.40, while China's manned spacecraft Shenzhou 7
is depicted on the $2.50. The Temple of Heaven
features on the $3 value and a golden dragon soaring above the Great Wall
adorns the $5 stamp. A souvenir sheet features all six stamps, which form a perfect ring with the accompanying number "6", together forming the number "60". Hong Kong's stamp sheetlet has two $5 stamps in Chinese red, one featuring Beijing and one Victoria
. The National Emblem and Tiananmen
appear on the left and the Regional Emblem above a night view of Hong Kong.
in New York City lit up in red and yellow lights on October 1 in commemoration of the founding of the PRC. The display was criticised by some commentators within the United States, with some branding it as an improper gesture towards China. The lights first ignited on the eve of 30 September, and lasted for the duration of the following day.
China's ally and neighbouring state, Pakistan
, issued a commemorative postage stamp of five rupees on October 1.
agency were assaulted by officials in their Beijing hotel room as they tried to cover the rehearsals of the parade. A foreign ministry official regretted the incident, but said the reporters did not comply with a notification to news organisations to not cover the rehearsal.
in Central, Hong Kong
. Scuffles broke out when activists tried to carry a mock coffin
to the doorstep of the liaison office. The music group My Little Airport
also performed a song named "I Love The Country, But Not The Party" (我愛郊野，但不愛派對), using a pun
on the 60th anniversary; its Chinese title literally translates "Country" to mean the rural area and "Party" to mean a "social gathering
". The video segment has appeared on a variety of sites, from YouTube
to some mainland China sites such as tudou and youku.
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
took place on October 1, 2009. A military parade involving 10,000 troops and the display of many high-tech weapons was held in Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square is a large city square in the center of Beijing, China, named after the Tiananmen Gate located to its North, separating it from the Forbidden City. Tiananmen Square is the third largest city square in the world...
in Beijing and various celebrations were conducted all over the country. This parade was immediately followed by a civilian parade involving 100,000 participants.
Background
National Day of the People's Republic of China
The National Day of the People's Republic of China is celebrated every year on October 1. It is a public holiday in the People's Republic of China to celebrate their national day.The PRC was founded on October 1, 1949 with a ceremony at Tiananmen Square...
each year. Military parades, presided over by Chairman Mao Zedong
Mao Zedong
Mao Zedong, also transliterated as Mao Tse-tung , and commonly referred to as Chairman Mao , was a Chinese Communist revolutionary, guerrilla warfare strategist, Marxist political philosopher, and leader of the Chinese Revolution...
, were held every year between 1949 and 1959. In September 1960, the Chinese leadership decided that in order to save funds and "be frugal", large-scale ceremonies for National Day would only be held every ten years, with a smaller-scale ceremony every five years. The last large-scale celebration during the Mao era was in 1969. Large-scale celebrations did not take place for 14 years amidst the climax of the Cultural Revolution
Cultural Revolution
The Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution, commonly known as the Cultural Revolution , was a socio-political movement that took place in the People's Republic of China from 1966 through 1976...
. Since then, the most prominent National Day celebrations have taken place in 1984 and 1999, at the 35th and 50th anniversaries respectively. During these celebrations, then-paramount leader
Paramount leader
Paramount leader literally "the highest leader of the party and the state ", in modern Chinese political science, unofficially refers to the political leader of the People's Republic of China....
Deng Xiaoping
Deng Xiaoping
Deng Xiaoping was a Chinese politician, statesman, and diplomat. As leader of the Communist Party of China, Deng was a reformer who led China towards a market economy...
and Jiang Zemin
Jiang Zemin
Jiang Zemin is a former Chinese politician, who served as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China from 1989 to 2002, as President of the People's Republic of China from 1993 to 2003, and as Chairman of the Central Military Commission from 1989 to 2005...
reviewed military parades of the People's Liberation Army
People's Liberation Army
The People's Liberation Army is the unified military organization of all land, sea, strategic missile and air forces of the People's Republic of China. The PLA was established on August 1, 1927 — celebrated annually as "PLA Day" — as the military arm of the Communist Party of China...
. The 2009 parade was the first and last time Hu Jintao
Hu Jintao
Hu Jintao is the current Paramount Leader of the People's Republic of China. He has held the titles of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China since 2002, President of the People's Republic of China since 2003, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission since 2004, succeeding Jiang...
oversaw this task, as he will leave office in 2012 due to term limits.
Preparations
40 million potted flowers, supplied by the state-owned Beijing Flowers & Trees Corp., were put in place in Beijing streets, approximately 5 million of which have been planted along the east-west axis of Chang'an AvenueChang'an Avenue
Chang'an Avenue , literally "Eternal Peace Street", is a major thoroughfare in Beijing, China.Chang'an is the old name for Xi'an which was the capital of China during the Tang Dynasty and other periods....
, also known as 'Avenue of Eternal Peace'. Flowers in Tiananmen Square were under 24-hour surveillance; Beijing Jinggong Red Flag factory is producing 2 million national flags for the celebrations. In Tiananmen Square itself, 56 "pillars of national unity" – each one symbolizing the 56 ethnic groups in China – were erected, with each containing fireworks for the night event on 1 October. 800,000 volunteers controlled crowds and maintained order while a further 30,000 provided translation services at subway and bus stations.
Mosquitoes, rats, flies, and cockroaches were the targets of professional exterminators – four unannounced night-time sweeps were carried out around Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square is a large city square in the center of Beijing, China, named after the Tiananmen Gate located to its North, separating it from the Forbidden City. Tiananmen Square is the third largest city square in the world...
in Beijing, including in the Forbidden City
Forbidden City
The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is located in the middle of Beijing, China, and now houses the Palace Museum...
complex. The public was encouraged to support the eradication through red slogan banners along Beijing streets and alleys, in what The Times said was reminiscent of the Four Pests campaign
Great sparrow campaign
thumb|right|250px|At the direction of [[Mao Zedong|Chairman Mao]], sparrows were killed by the peasants, causing a major [[ecological]] imbalance in the environment...
. One of these slogans read: “Eradicate the four pests, stress hygiene. Cleanly, cleanly welcome National Day!”
Tiananmen Square was sealed off for the day on August 29 for the first rehearsals. Tens of thousands of fully costumed performers rehearsed on September 16. The military also prepared, with several hundred vehicles rolling down Chang'an Avenue on September 6. parts of Beijing were closed down on September 18 for the final rehearsals of the anniversary parade. Police cleared streets and office buildings on the main roadways near Tiananmen Square from noon onwards for rehearsals that evening. State media went into overdrive, for example, highlighting how thousands of troops spent four months drilling to march in step on a mock practice ground with scale model of Chang'an Avenue - complete with the leadership reviewing stand. Following disruptions caused by the drills, which shut down roads and large parts of the Beijing Subway
Beijing Subway
The Beijing Subway is a rapid transit rail network that serves the urban and suburban districts of Beijing municipality. It is owned by the city of Beijing and has two operators, the wholly state owned Beijing Mass Transit Railway Operation Corp., which operates 12 lines, and the Beijing MTR...
, Xinhua News Agency
Xinhua News Agency
The Xinhua News Agency is the official press agency of the government of the People's Republic of China and the biggest center for collecting information and press conferences in the PRC. It is the largest news agency in the PRC, ahead of the China News Service...
announced that the final rehearsal parade, scheduled for September 26, was called off.
Security
The Sunday Times reported that "thousands of agents will stage a security clampdown exceeding anything seen for the 2008 Olympic Games2008 Summer Olympics
The 2008 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, was a major international multi-sport event that took place in Beijing, China, from August 8 to August 24, 2008. A total of 11,028 athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees competed in 28 sports and 302 events...
". Police in Beijing and neighbouring provinces were in a heightened state of readiness, with night patrols by armed police lasting from September 15 until the end of the festivities. All basements in the city were subject to inspection by police, while some restaurants with roof terraces were not permitted to seat patrons on sides overlooking the street for the duration. However, despite the supposed high alert around Beijing, a man armed with a knife killed two people and injured 12 in the heart of Beijing on September 17. Peter Ford of the Christian Science Monitor
The Christian Science Monitor
The Christian Science Monitor is an international newspaper published daily online, Monday to Friday, and weekly in print. It was started in 1908 by Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of the Church of Christ, Scientist. As of 2009, the print circulation was 67,703.The CSM is a newspaper that covers...
said that the stabbing incident had been played down locally. Following the attacks, however, the knives were removed from sale at some stores such as Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. , branded as Walmart since 2008 and Wal-Mart before then, is an American public multinational corporation that runs chains of large discount department stores and warehouse stores. The company is the world's 18th largest public corporation, according to the Forbes Global 2000...
and Carrefour
Carrefour
Carrefour S.A. is an international hypermarket chain headquartered in Levallois-Perret, France. It is one of the largest hypermarket chains in the world...
.
Thousands of paramilitary officers were deployed at bridges, road tunnels and other strategic points in the city. Residents were warned that if they stepped out onto balconies along the route, they might be shot. 30,000 people with tickets have been invited to watch the event, but others were encouraged to watch it on television to "avoid complications."
The Times says the authorities engaged counter-terrorist units and informers in districts where Xinjiang Muslims live, placed Tibetan Buddhists under surveillance, and arrested dissidents. Peasants coming to the capital to present their grievances as petitions were blocked. while the government ordered the search of all cars entering Beijing. The security drives organised by the Ministry of Public Security in Beijing, as well as neighbouring Hebei
Hebei
' is a province of the People's Republic of China in the North China region. Its one-character abbreviation is "" , named after Ji Province, a Han Dynasty province that included what is now southern Hebei...
, Liaoning
Liaoning
' is a province of the People's Republic of China, located in the northeast of the country. Its one-character abbreviation is "辽" , a name taken from the Liao River that flows through the province. "Níng" means "peace"...
, Shandong
Shandong
' is a Province located on the eastern coast of the People's Republic of China. Shandong has played a major role in Chinese history from the beginning of Chinese civilization along the lower reaches of the Yellow River and served as a pivotal cultural and religious site for Taoism, Chinese...
and Shanxi provinces, the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region and the Tianjin Municipality was dubbed a "Security Moat" by a senior official. The official said the "safety of China's National Day celebrations and stability in Beijing was of overriding importance." The Times reported Internet users saying censorship
Internet censorship in the People's Republic of China
Internet censorship in the People's Republic of China is conducted under a wide variety of laws and administrative regulations. There are no specific laws or regulations which the censorship follows...
has been tightened: many sites have been blocked, among them Facebook and Twitter; one media analyst said that the authorities upgraded their technology to block free proxy services
Proxy server
In computer networks, a proxy server is a server that acts as an intermediary for requests from clients seeking resources from other servers. A client connects to the proxy server, requesting some service, such as a file, connection, web page, or other resource available from a different server...
and were trying to block any free proxy services and VPNs
Virtual private network
A virtual private network is a network that uses primarily public telecommunication infrastructure, such as the Internet, to provide remote offices or traveling users access to a central organizational network....
during the week prior to the anniversary.
Other security arrangements in place included relocation of mailboxes and newspaper stands along Chang'an Avenue
Chang'an Avenue
Chang'an Avenue , literally "Eternal Peace Street", is a major thoroughfare in Beijing, China.Chang'an is the old name for Xi'an which was the capital of China during the Tang Dynasty and other periods....
and the closure or restricted opening of some of the hotels along the route (ex. the Beijing Hotel
Beijing Hotel
The Beijing Hotel is a five-star state-owned hotel in the Dongcheng District of Beijing, China.-Overview:It is located at the southern end of Wangfujing Street, at the corner with East Chang'an Avenue, 1.5km from Beijing Railway Station with views of the Forbidden City and part of Tiananmen Square...
, the Beijing News Plaza Hotel, and the Beijing International Hotel). Other hotels on Chang'an Avenue closed guest rooms facing the main road during the celebrations.
Media
The government established a media centre from September 22 until October 2 at the Media Center Hotel to catering to journalists covering celebrations. The centre's deputy, Zhu Shouchen, said they received applications from more than 4,500 journalists around the world, including some 1,300 journalists from 346 media organisations in 108 countries. Almost 400 of them were said to be from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.A film entitled The Founding of a Republic
The Founding of a Republic
The Founding of a Republic is a 2009 Chinese historical film commissioned by China's film regulator and made by the state-owned China Film Group to mark the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China...
, commissioned by China's film regulator and made by the China Film Group
China Film Group
China Film Group Corporation , abbreviated as CFGC, is the largest and most influential state-run film enterprise in China.-History:The predecessor China Film Corporation was established in 1949...
(CFG) to mark the anniversary, was released nationwide on September 17. The film retells the tale of the Communist ascendancy and triumph, with a star-studded cast including Zhang Ziyi
Zhang Ziyi
Zhang Ziyi is a Chinese film actress. Zhang is coined by the media as one of the Four Young Dan actresses in the Film Industry in China, along with Zhao Wei, Xu Jinglei, and Zhou Xun...
, Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan, SBS, MBE is a Hong Kong actor, action choreographer, comedian, director, producer, martial artist, screenwriter, entrepreneur, singer and stunt performer. In his movies, he is known for his acrobatic fighting style, comic timing, use of improvised weapons, and innovative stunts...
, Jet Li
Jet Li
The fame gained by his sports winnings led to a career as a martial arts film star, beginning in mainland China and then continuing into Hong Kong. Li acquired his screen name in 1982 in the Philippines when a publicity company thought his real name was too hard to pronounce...
, and directors Jiang Wen
Jiang Wen
Jiang Wen is a Chinese film actor and director. As a director, he is sometimes grouped with the "sixth generation" that emerged in the 1990s. Jiang is also well known internationally as an actor, having starred with Gong Li in Zhang Yimou's debut film Red Sorghum...
, Chen Kaige
Chen Kaige
Chen Kaige is a Chinese film director and a leading figure of the fifth generation of Chinese cinema. His films are known for their visual flair and epic storytelling.-Early life:...
and John Woo
John Woo
John Woo Yu-Sen SBS is a Hong Kong-based film director and producer. Recognized for his stylised films of highly choreographed action sequences, Mexican standoffs, and use of slow-motion, Woo has directed several notable Hong Kong action films, among them, A Better Tomorrow, The Killer, Hard...
in mostly cameos appearances; the leading roles – such as Mao Zedong
Mao Zedong
Mao Zedong, also transliterated as Mao Tse-tung , and commonly referred to as Chairman Mao , was a Chinese Communist revolutionary, guerrilla warfare strategist, Marxist political philosopher, and leader of the Chinese Revolution...
– were played by lesser known actors. CFG chairman Han Sanping
Han Sanping
Han Sanping is a Chinese film producer. He is the chairman of China Film Group, which has been hailed as one of the largest distributors and exporters of Chinese films...
co-directed the film with Huang Jianxin
Huang Jianxin
Huang Jianxin is a Chinese film director. He is normally considered part of the fifth generation of Chinese filmmakers , due to shared traits in his works, although he was not a strictly a member of the inaugural 1982 class of the Beijing Film Academy...
. A CFG spokesman said many stars answered Han's call to appear in the film and waived their fee, helping it keep its modest budget of 60–70 million yuan (US$8.8–$10 million). According to the executive at one of China's top multiplex chains, the film unusually married "the core of an 'ethically inspiring' film" – code for propaganda films, according to the Associated Press – "with commercial packaging."
Parades
Leaders
Liu Qi, as the Beijing municipal secretary of the Communist Party, was the master of ceremoniesMaster of Ceremonies
A Master of Ceremonies , or compere, is the host of a staged event or similar performance.An MC usually presents performers, speaks to the audience, and generally keeps the event moving....
for the event. Hu Jintao
Hu Jintao
Hu Jintao is the current Paramount Leader of the People's Republic of China. He has held the titles of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China since 2002, President of the People's Republic of China since 2003, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission since 2004, succeeding Jiang...
, in his position as the paramount leader
Paramount leader
Paramount leader literally "the highest leader of the party and the state ", in modern Chinese political science, unofficially refers to the political leader of the People's Republic of China....
, presided over the military parade. In addition, all members of the current Politburo Standing Committee, along with the former CPC General Secretary, President Jiang Zemin
Jiang Zemin
Jiang Zemin is a former Chinese politician, who served as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China from 1989 to 2002, as President of the People's Republic of China from 1993 to 2003, and as Chairman of the Central Military Commission from 1989 to 2005...
, stood atop Tiananmen
Tiananmen
The Tiananmen, Tian'anmen or Gate of Heavenly Peace is a famous monument in Beijing, the capital of the People's Republic of China. It is widely used as a national symbol. First built during the Ming Dynasty in 1420, Tian'anmen is often referred to as the front entrance to the Forbidden City...
in protocol order
Political position ranking of the People's Republic of China
The political ranking of the People's Republic of China is the ranking of political leaders in China, by order of presumed political power. Although there is no formally published ranking, there is usually an established convention and protocol, and the relative positions of Chinese political...
for the entire duration of the parade. Other prominent retired leaders, including former NPCSC Chairman Li Peng
Li Peng
Li Peng served as the fourth Premier of the People's Republic of China, between 1987 and 1998, and the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislative body, from 1998 to 2003. For much of the 1990s Li was ranked second in the Communist Party of China ...
, former Premier Zhu Rongji
Zhu Rongji
Zhū Róngjī is a prominent Chinese politician who served as the Mayor and Party chief in Shanghai between 1987 and 1991, before serving as Vice-Premier and then the fifth Premier of the People's Republic of China from March 1998 to March 2003.A tough administrator, his time in office saw the...
, former Vice-President Zeng Qinghong
Zeng Qinghong
Zeng Qinghong was the Vice-President of the People's Republic of China from 2003 to 2008. He became a member of the Politburo Standing Committee and member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee during the 2002 16th Party Congress. Although he was formally ranked fifth in the nine PSC...
, and others, were also in attendance.
Military parade
The military parade took place on Chang'an AvenueChang'an Avenue
Chang'an Avenue , literally "Eternal Peace Street", is a major thoroughfare in Beijing, China.Chang'an is the old name for Xi'an which was the capital of China during the Tang Dynasty and other periods....
, with the country's leaders watching the parade from Tiananmen
Tiananmen
The Tiananmen, Tian'anmen or Gate of Heavenly Peace is a famous monument in Beijing, the capital of the People's Republic of China. It is widely used as a national symbol. First built during the Ming Dynasty in 1420, Tian'anmen is often referred to as the front entrance to the Forbidden City...
, above Mao's portrait. Hu Jintao inspected the troops standing onto a Hongqi
FAW Hongqi
Hongqi is a luxury car brand of First Automobile Works. These cars were the first domestically produced Chinese passenger vehicles.First manufactured in 1958, the original Hongqi models were only for high-ranking party elite and remained in production until 1981...
HQE
Hongqi HQE
The Hongqi HQE is a large four-door limousine built by FAW Hongqi. It is the first Chinese-built V12 cylinder engine-equipped luxury car. As Hongqi's most advanced top-of-the-line vehicle type, the HQE will serve as the high-end vehicle for VIPs and high-ranking national officials...
limousine designed for the event, with a special license plate (京V 02009). For the anniversary, the Chinese government budgeted roughly $44 million for the military parade, with some budget cuts due to the recent global financial crisis. The parade displayed 52 new types of military hardware, including ZTZ99 main battle tanks, J-10
Chengdu J-10
The Chengdu J-10 is a multirole fighter aircraft designed and produced by the People's Republic of China's Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation for the People's Liberation Army Air Force...
fighter aircraft, KJ-200
Shaanxi Y-8
The Shaanxi Y-8 or Yunshuji-8 aircraft is a medium size medium range transport aircraft produced by Shaanxi Aircraft Company in China, based on the Soviet Antonov An-12. It has become one of China's most popular military and civilian transport/cargo aircraft, with many variants produced and exported...
and KJ-2000 early-warning aircraft, Z-9W
Harbin Z-9
|-See also:-External links:* * *...
attack helicopters
Attack helicopter
An attack helicopter is a military helicopter with the primary role of an attack aircraft, with the capability of engaging targets on the ground, such as enemy infantry and armored vehicles...
, and new models of the Type 95
QBZ-95
The QBZ-95 is an assault rifle manufactured by Arsenal 266, part of Norinco and Arsenal 296, under Jianshe Corp, China South for the People's Liberation Army, the armed forces of the People's Republic of China, Chinese People's Armed Police , and Chinese law enforcement. This weapon uses a...
and Type 03
QBZ-03
The QBZ-03 assault rifle is a gas operated, selective-fire weapon and is the latest assault rifle design developed for the Chinese 5.8 x 42 mm DBP87 ammunition. Unlike the bullpup QBZ-95, the QBZ-03 is a weapon of conventional design loosely inspired by other rifles previously in Chinese service...
assault rifles
Assault rifle
An assault rifle is a selective fire rifle that uses an intermediate cartridge and a detachable magazine. Assault rifles are the standard infantry weapons in most modern armies...
.
The five new types of missiles were paraded by the Second Artillery Corps. The Second Artillery's display included a total of 108 missiles and was intended to showcase China's strategic deterrence capabilities.
List of participating divisions in the parade
In order of appearance:- PLAPeople's Liberation ArmyThe People's Liberation Army is the unified military organization of all land, sea, strategic missile and air forces of the People's Republic of China. The PLA was established on August 1, 1927 — celebrated annually as "PLA Day" — as the military arm of the Communist Party of China...
Combined Guard of HonorHonor guardAn honor guard, or ceremonial guard, is a ceremonial unit, usually military in nature and composed of volunteers who are carefully screened for their physical ability and dexterity...
(Chinese: 中国人民解放军三军仪仗队) - PLA Ground ForcePeople's Liberation Army Ground ForceThe People's Liberation Army Ground Force is the land-based service branch of the People's Liberation Army. Its regular forces consist of 1.7 million personnel, with an additional 800,000 personnel in reserve, making it the largest active standing army in the world, and second largest in terms of...
Cadet Officers Square Formation (Chinese: 陆军学员方队) - PLA Ground ForcePeople's Liberation Army Ground ForceThe People's Liberation Army Ground Force is the land-based service branch of the People's Liberation Army. Its regular forces consist of 1.7 million personnel, with an additional 800,000 personnel in reserve, making it the largest active standing army in the world, and second largest in terms of...
Infantry Square Formation (Chinese: 陆军步兵方队) - PLA Ground ForcePeople's Liberation Army Ground ForceThe People's Liberation Army Ground Force is the land-based service branch of the People's Liberation Army. Its regular forces consist of 1.7 million personnel, with an additional 800,000 personnel in reserve, making it the largest active standing army in the world, and second largest in terms of...
Special Forces Square Formation (Chinese: 陆军特种部队方队) - PLA NavyPeople's Liberation Army NavyThe People's Liberation Army Navy is the naval branch of the People's Liberation Army , the military of the People's Republic of China. Until the early 1990s, the navy performed a subordinate role to the PLA Land Forces. Since then, it has undergone rapid modernisation...
Cadet Officers Square Formation (Chinese: 海军学员方队) - PLA NavyPeople's Liberation Army NavyThe People's Liberation Army Navy is the naval branch of the People's Liberation Army , the military of the People's Republic of China. Until the early 1990s, the navy performed a subordinate role to the PLA Land Forces. Since then, it has undergone rapid modernisation...
SeamenSailorA sailor, mariner, or seaman is a person who navigates water-borne vessels or assists in their operation, maintenance, or service. The term can apply to professional mariners, military personnel, and recreational sailors as well as a plethora of other uses...
Square Formation (Chinese: 海军水兵方队) - PLA NavyPeople's Liberation Army NavyThe People's Liberation Army Navy is the naval branch of the People's Liberation Army , the military of the People's Republic of China. Until the early 1990s, the navy performed a subordinate role to the PLA Land Forces. Since then, it has undergone rapid modernisation...
Marine CorpsPeople's Liberation Army Marine CorpsThe People's Liberation Army Navy Marine Corps is marine corps of the People's Republic of China's People's Liberation Army Navy...
Square Formation (Chinese: 海军陆战队方队) - PLA Air ForcePeople's Liberation Army Air ForceThe People's Liberation Army Air Force is the aviation branch of the People's Liberation Army, the military of the People's Republic of China...
Cadet Officers Square Formation (Chinese: 空军飞行学员方队) - PLA Air ForcePeople's Liberation Army Air ForceThe People's Liberation Army Air Force is the aviation branch of the People's Liberation Army, the military of the People's Republic of China...
Paratroopers Square Formation (Chinese: 空军空降兵方队) - PLAPeople's Liberation ArmyThe People's Liberation Army is the unified military organization of all land, sea, strategic missile and air forces of the People's Republic of China. The PLA was established on August 1, 1927 — celebrated annually as "PLA Day" — as the military arm of the Communist Party of China...
Second Artillery Corps Cadets Square Formation (Chinese: 第二炮兵学员方队) - PLAPeople's Liberation ArmyThe People's Liberation Army is the unified military organization of all land, sea, strategic missile and air forces of the People's Republic of China. The PLA was established on August 1, 1927 — celebrated annually as "PLA Day" — as the military arm of the Communist Party of China...
Female Soldiers Square Formation (Chinese: 三军女兵方队) - People's Armed PolicePeople's Armed PoliceThe People's Armed Police , officially Chinese People's Armed Police Force is a paramilitary or gendarmerie force primarily responsible for civilian policing and fire rescue duties in the People's Republic of China, as well as provide support to PLA during wartime.In contrast to public security...
Square Formation (Chinese: 武警方队) - PLA Reserve Service Forces Square Formation (Chinese: 预备役方队)
- Female Militia Square Formation (Chinese: 女民兵方队)
List of military craft paraded
Chinese official state media states that all equipment displayed in the parade are manufactured in China, with 90% of them first displayed to the public. The equipment are listed in the order of appearance, with new appearances in bold:- ZTZ99 main battle tankType 99The Type 99, also known as ZTZ-99 and WZ-123, developed from the Type 98G , is a third generation main battle tank fielded by the Chinese People's Liberation Army. It is made to compete with other modern tanks...
- ZTZ96A main battle tankType 96The Type 96 is the latest Chinese third-generation main battle tank . Based on the Type 85-III design, the Type 96 entered service with the People's Liberation Army in 1997. As of 2005, an estimated 1,500 Type 96 tanks are currently in service with the PLA.Generally speaking, PLA's tank...
- ZBD2000 amphibious fighting vehicleZBD2000The ZBD2000 is an amphibious armoured fighting vehicle with 3 different versions; the 105mm rifled gun light tank, IFV 30mm cannon with HJ-73C ATGM, and armoured logistic vehicle. ZBD2000 was the many of amphibious armoured vehicles developed for the PLA Marine Corps. The vehicle was an alternative...
- ZBD-97 infantry fighting vehicleZBD-97The ZBD-97 or Type 97 is a Chinese Infantry fighting vehicle. It mounts a turret similar in design to that of the Russian BMP-3, although the chassis is different, with a front mounted engine, and rear troop compartment....
- ZBL-08/09 infantry fighting vehicle
- ZLC2000 airborne infantry fighting vehicle
- ZSL-92 anti-riot infantry fighting vehicle
- Type 05 155mm self-propelled howitzerPLZ-05The PLZ-05 or the Type 05 is an advanced family of 155 mm self-propelled howitzers developed by the People's Liberation Army of China to replace the Type 83 152mm...
- Type 07 122mm self-propelled howitzer
- PLL05 120mm self-propelled mortar-howitzerSelf-propelled gunA self-propelled gun is form of self-propelled artillery, and in modern use is usually used to refer to artillery pieces such as howitzers....
- PTL02 100mm tank destroyerTank destroyerA tank destroyer is a type of armored fighting vehicle armed with a gun or missile launcher, and is designed specifically to engage enemy armored vehicles...
- PHL03 300mm multiple launch rocket system
- HJ-9 anti-tank missile systemHJ-9The Hong Jian-9 is an advanced, third-generation anti-tank missile system deployed by the People's Liberation Army.The missile was developed by Norinco, and one of the chief designers was Yang Chunming . It is similar in appearance to the Israeli MAPATS , causing speculation about the link between...
- Type 95 self-propelled anti-aircraft artilleryType 95 SPAAAThe Type 95 is a Chinese self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicle. It is armed with four 25 millimeter cannons and optionally four fire-and-forget QW-2 infra-red homing missiles. It was first displayed publicly at the Beijing Military Parade in 1999...
- HQ-7 surface-to-air missileHQ-7The HongQi 7 or HQ-7 is a short-range air defense missile. The missile is deployed on both ships and land-based vehicles. China revealed the export version, FM-80, in the 1989 Dubai Aerospace Show...
- HQ-16 surface-to-air missile
- YJ-83 anti-ship missileC-803The Yingji-83 or YJ-83 is a Chinese anti-ship missile based on the YJ-82, designed as a supersonic successor to the subsonic YJ-82 missile. The export designation is C-803.-Development and design:...
- YJ-62 shore to ship cruise missileC-602The C-602, also known as YJ-62, is a Chinese subsonic anti-ship missile that can also be used as a land attack cruise missile.C-602 made its public debut in China at the end of 2006 during the 6th Zhuhai Airshow, though the name begun first appear in 2005. The missile is reportedly deployed...
- HQ-9 surface-to-air missileHQ-9The HQ-9 is China’s new generation medium- to long-range, active radar homing air defence missile.Initially an indigenous design with limited capabilities, the HQ-9 missile has undergone a redesign to incorporate Russian rocket technology after the acquisition of S-300 5V55-series missiles from...
- HQ-12 surface-to-air missileKS-1 Surface-to-air missileThe Kai Shan - 1 is the first Chinese surface-to-air missile to adopt a phased array radar.-Design:The missile is roughly the Chinese equivalent of the American MIM-23 HAWK, except it was designed to engage missiles as well as aircraft...
- ASN series tactical unmanned aerial droneUnmanned aerial vehicleAn unmanned aerial vehicle , also known as a unmanned aircraft system , remotely piloted aircraft or unmanned aircraft, is a machine which functions either by the remote control of a navigator or pilot or autonomously, that is, as a self-directing entity...
s - DF-15 short range ballistic missileDF-15The Dong-Feng 15 is a short-range ballistic missile developed by the People's Republic of China. It is the only non-nuclear missile being used by the People's Liberation Army Second Artillery Corps. The U.S...
- DF-11 short range ballistic missile
- CJ-10 land attack cruise missileCJ-10 cruise missileThe CJ-10 is a land attack cruise missile currently in service with the Second Artillery Corps of the People's Republic of China. It is the first of the Changjian series of long range land attack cruise missiles...
- DF-21 medium range ballistic missileDF-21The Dong-Feng 21 is a two-stage, solid-propellant, single-warhead medium-range ballistic missile developed by China Changfeng Mechanics and Electronics Technology Academy. Development started in the late 1960s and was completed around 1985-86, but it was not deployed until 1991...
- DF-31 intercontinental ballistic missileDF-31The Dong Feng 31 is a long-range, road-mobile, three stage, solid propellant intercontinental ballistic missile in the Dongfeng missile series developed by the People's Republic of China. It is designed to carry a single 1,000kt thermal nuclear warhead. It is a land-based variant of the submarine...
- DF-31A intercontinental ballistic missile
- KJ-2000 early warning aircraft
- KJ-200 early warning aircraftShaanxi Y-8The Shaanxi Y-8 or Yunshuji-8 aircraft is a medium size medium range transport aircraft produced by Shaanxi Aircraft Company in China, based on the Soviet Antonov An-12. It has become one of China's most popular military and civilian transport/cargo aircraft, with many variants produced and exported...
- Xian H-6 bomber and tankerXian H-6The Xian H-6 is a license-built version of the Soviet Tupolev Tu-16 twin-engine jet bomber, built for the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force....
- along with newer Xian H-6K variant
- JH-7A fighter-bomberXian JH-7The Xian JH-7 ; NATO reporting name Flounder), also known as the FBC-1 Flying Leopard, is a tandem two-seat, twin-engine fighter-bomber in service with the People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force , and the People's Liberation Army Air Force...
- J-8F interceptor fighterShenyang J-8The Shenyang J-8 is a high-speed, high-altitude Chinese-built single-seat interceptor fighter aircraft.-J-8:...
- Chengdu J-10 multirole fighterChengdu J-10The Chengdu J-10 is a multirole fighter aircraft designed and produced by the People's Republic of China's Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation for the People's Liberation Army Air Force...
- Shenyang J-11 multirole fighterShenyang J-11The Shenyang J-11 with NATO reporting name: Flanker B+ is a single-seat, twin-engine jet fighter based on the Soviet-designed Sukhoi Su-27 air superiority fighter produced by the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation...
- Changhe Z-8 transport helicopter
- Harbin Z-9W attack helicopterHarbin Z-9|-See also:-External links:* * *...
- Hongdu JL-8 jet trainer aircraftHongdu JL-8The Hongdu JL-8 is a two-seat intermediate jet trainer and light attack aircraft designed in the People's Republic of China by China Nanchang Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation. The primary contractor for this plane is the Hongdu Aviation Industry Corporation...
- Type 022 stealth missile boatHoubei class missile boatThe Houbei class missile boat is a class in the People's Liberation Army Navy. The first boat was launched in April 2004 by the Qiuxin Shipbuilding Factory at Shanghai. The boats incorporate stealth features and wave-piercing catamaran hulls...
- Type 052C destroyer
- Type 054A frigateType 054A frigateThe Type 054A frigate is a Chinese multi-role warship that entered service with the People's Liberation Army Navy in 2007...
Grand pageant (Mass pageant)
Sixty floats showcasing themes such as "progress of the motherland", "scientific development", "brilliant achievement", and "beautiful prosperous China" passed by Tiananmen Square. Dozens of floats were surrounded by groups of either 1,949 or 2,009 marchers, with the total number of people marching in the parade being over one hundred thousand. One float had a giant portrait of Mao ZedongMao Zedong
Mao Zedong, also transliterated as Mao Tse-tung , and commonly referred to as Chairman Mao , was a Chinese Communist revolutionary, guerrilla warfare strategist, Marxist political philosopher, and leader of the Chinese Revolution...
, which was immediately followed by similar floats with equally large portraits of Deng Xiaoping
Deng Xiaoping
Deng Xiaoping was a Chinese politician, statesman, and diplomat. As leader of the Communist Party of China, Deng was a reformer who led China towards a market economy...
, Jiang Zemin
Jiang Zemin
Jiang Zemin is a former Chinese politician, who served as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China from 1989 to 2002, as President of the People's Republic of China from 1993 to 2003, and as Chairman of the Central Military Commission from 1989 to 2005...
, and Hu Jintao
Hu Jintao
Hu Jintao is the current Paramount Leader of the People's Republic of China. He has held the titles of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China since 2002, President of the People's Republic of China since 2003, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission since 2004, succeeding Jiang...
. On each of these portraits were inscribed slogans of each leader's signature ideologies: Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory
Deng Xiaoping Theory
Deng Xiaoping Theory , also known as Dengism, is the series of political and economic ideologies first developed by Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping. In theory, it does not reject Marxism or Mao Zedong Thought but instead seeks to adapt them to the existing socio-economic conditions of China.Since the...
, the Three Represents
Three Represents
The Three Represents is a socio-political ideology credited to General Secretary Jiang Zemin which became a guiding ideology of the Communist Party of China at its Sixteenth Party Congress in 2002....
, and the Scientific Development Concept
Scientific Development Concept
The scientific development concept, sometimes translated as the scientific development perspective, is the current official guiding socio-economic ideology of the Communist Party of China incorporating sustainable development, social welfare, a humanistic society, increased democracy, and,...
. Voice recordings of each leader were also played through loudspeakers. A float with 181 foreigners from 53 countries named "One World" also took part.
List of floats
- Prelude
- The Guard of Honor
- National Emblem Square Array
- Section One: Struggling and Initiating
- "Struggling in Blood" Formation
- "Founding of New China" Formation
- Mao Zedong Thought Formation
- Section Two: Reforming and Opening up
- Deng Xiaoping Thought Formation
- Section Three: Into the New Century
- Into the New Century
- Section Four: China as A Rising Power
- Scientific Development Concept
List of card sequenceCard stuntCard stunts are a planned, coordinated sequence of actions performed by an audience, whose members raise cards that, in the aggregate, create a recognizable image. The images they create can range widely and, through careful planning, the same cards can create a number of different images by...
slogans
- 国庆 National AnniversaryNational Day of the People's Republic of ChinaThe National Day of the People's Republic of China is celebrated every year on October 1. It is a public holiday in the People's Republic of China to celebrate their national day.The PRC was founded on October 1, 1949 with a ceremony at Tiananmen Square...
- National Emblem of the People's Republic of China with 1949 and 2009
- National Flag of the People's Republic of ChinaFlag of the People's Republic of ChinaThe flag of the People's Republic of China is a red field charged in the canton with five golden stars. The design features one large star, with four smaller stars in a semicircle set off towards the fly...
- Flag of the Chinese People's Liberation ArmyPeople's Liberation ArmyThe People's Liberation Army is the unified military organization of all land, sea, strategic missile and air forces of the People's Republic of China. The PLA was established on August 1, 1927 — celebrated annually as "PLA Day" — as the military arm of the Communist Party of China...
- Great WallGreat Wall of ChinaThe Great Wall of China is a series of stone and earthen fortifications in northern China, built originally to protect the northern borders of the Chinese Empire against intrusions by various nomadic groups...
- 中华人民共和国万岁 (Long liveTen thousand yearsThe use of the phrase "ten thousand years" in various East Asian languages originated in ancient China as an expression used to wish long life to the Emperor, and is typically translated as "long live" in English...
the People's Republic of China) - 中国共产党万岁 (Long live the Communist Party of ChinaCommunist Party of ChinaThe Communist Party of China , also known as the Chinese Communist Party , is the founding and ruling political party of the People's Republic of China...
) - 人民万岁 (Long live the people)
- 听党指挥 (Submit to rule of the Party)
- 服务人民 (Serve the PeopleServe the People"Serve the People" or "Service for the People" is a political slogan which first appeared in Mao-era China. It originates from the title of a speech by Mao Zedong, delivered on September 8, 1944. The slogan was also widely used in the United States by students and youth during the Asian American...
) - 英勇善战 (Be brave and worthy in war)
- 忠诚于党 (Loyal to the Party)
- 热爱人民 (Love the people)
- 报效国家 (Serve the country)
- 献身使命
- 崇尚荣誉
- Dove of peace
- 向人民英雄致敬 (Salute the people's heroes)
- 社会主义好 (Socialism is Good)
- 解放思想 (Liberate thoughts)
- 改革开放 (Reform and opening-upChinese economic reformThe Chinese economic reform refers to the program of economic reforms called "Socialism with Chinese characteristics" in the People's Republic of China that were started in December 1978 by reformists within the Communist Party of China led by Deng Xiaoping.China had one of the world's largest...
) - 世纪跨越 (Turn of the century)
- 与时俱进 (Keep pace with the times)
- 科学发展 (Scientific DevelopmentScientific Development ConceptThe scientific development concept, sometimes translated as the scientific development perspective, is the current official guiding socio-economic ideology of the Communist Party of China incorporating sustainable development, social welfare, a humanistic society, increased democracy, and,...
) - 社会和谐 (Harmonious societyHarmonious societyThe construction of a Harmonious Society is a socio-economic vision that is said to be the ultimate end result of Chinese leader Hu Jintao's signature ideology of the Scientific Development Concept. It serves as the ultimate goal for the ruling Communist Party of China along with Xiaokang society,...
) - 1949
- 2009
- 祖国万岁 (Long live the motherland)
- Wheat wave
- 科教兴国 (Science and education strengthens the nation)
- PeonyPeonyPeony or paeony is a name for plants in the genus Paeonia, the only genus in the flowering plant family Paeoniaceae. They are native to Asia, southern Europe and western North America...
- Logos for Beijing 2008 Olympics2008 Summer OlympicsThe 2008 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, was a major international multi-sport event that took place in Beijing, China, from August 8 to August 24, 2008. A total of 11,028 athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees competed in 28 sports and 302 events...
and Paralympics2008 Summer ParalympicsThe 2008 Summer Paralympic Games, the thirteenth Paralympics, took place in Beijing, China from September 6 to September 17, 2008. As with the 2008 Summer Olympics, equestrian events were held in Hong Kong and sailing events in Qingdao.... - 万众一心众志成城
- 维护世界和平 (Uphold world peace)
- 各族人民大团结万岁 (Long live the great unityGreat unityThe Great unity is a classical Chinese term found in classical Chinese philosophy which has been invoked many times in modern Chinese history...
of the people of (Chinese) ethnic groupsZhonghua minzuZhonghua minzu , usually translated as Chinese ethnic groups or Chinese nationality, refers to the modern notion of a Chinese nationality transcending ethnic divisions, with a central identity for China as a whole...
) - 繁荣昌盛 (Prosperity)
- 国画《江山如此多娇》
- 富强民主文明和谐 (Prosperous and strong, democratic, culturally-developed and harmonious)
- 时刻准备着 (Constantly prepared)
- 明天会更好 (Tomorrow will be better)
Music
Flag raising, military parade, drive-by, and flyby- Welcome March (欢迎进行曲)
- March of the VolunteersMarch of the VolunteersMarch of the Volunteers is the national anthem of the People's Republic of China , written by the noted poet and playwright Tian Han with music composed by Nie Er. This composition is a musical march...
(National Anthem of the People's Republic of China) (义勇军进行曲) - Military Anthem of the People's Liberation ArmyMilitary anthem of the People's Liberation ArmyThe Military Anthem of the Chinese People's Liberation Army , also known as the March of the Chinese People's Liberation Army , is a patriotic song of the People's Republic of China...
(中国人民解放军进行曲) - Troops Review March of the PLA (检阅进行曲)
- The People's Army is Loyal to the Party (人民军队忠于党)
- Military Academy Song (军校之歌)
- Duty (使命)
- A Moment to Prepare (时刻准备着)
- Servicemen (当兵的人)
- Parade March of the People's Liberation Army (分列式进行曲)
- Motherland, Please Review (祖国，请检阅)
- March of Armored Vehicles (战车进行曲)
- Song of the Loyal Guards (忠诚卫士之歌)
- March of the Artillery Force (炮兵进行曲)
- People's Navy, Forward (人民海军向前进)
- Military Might March (军威进行曲)
- March of the Second Artillery Corps (第二炮兵进行曲)
- March of the PLA Air Force (中国空军进行曲)
- I Love the Motherland's Blue Skies (Chinese: 我爱祖国的蓝天)
Civilian parade
- Ode to the Red Flag
- The East Is RedThe East Is Red"The East Is Red" is a song that was the de facto anthem of the People's Republic of China during the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s. The lyrics of the song were attributed to Li Youyuan, a farmer from northern Shaanxi, and the melody was derived from a local folk song...
(东方红) - Without the Communist Party, There Would Be No New ChinaWithout the Communist Party, There Would Be No New China"Without the Communist Party, There Would Be No New China" is a popular Communist propaganda song in the People's Republic of China, which originated in 1943 in response to the phrase "Without Kuomintang there would be no China".-Background:...
(没有共产党就没有新中国) - Red Banner Hymn (红旗颂)
- Story of SpringStory of SpringThe Story of Spring is a patriotic Chinese song praising Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, although it never mentions him by name. Originally sung by famous Chinese folk singer Dong Wenhua, Deng is referred to as "an old man" throughout the song...
(春天的故事) - Youth, Oh, Youth (青春啊青春)
- Into the New Era (走进新时代)
- Song of the Yangtze (长江之歌)
- Rivers and Mountains (江山)
- Today is your Birthday (My China) (今天是你的生日)
- On the Field of Hope (在希望的田野上)
- We Workers Have Strength (咱们工人有力量)
- Toast Song (祝酒歌)
- The Red Flag Flutters (红旗飘飘)
- You and Me (Olympic theme song)You and Me (Olympic theme song)You and Me is the theme song for the 2008 Summer Olympics held in Beijing, People's Republic of China, which was performed in the opening ceremony of the Olympics by Liu Huan and Sarah Brightman...
(我和你) - Melody of Welcome Greeting (迎宾曲)
- Love My China (爱我中华)
- China Navigates (领航中国)
- Walking towards Rejuvenation (走向复兴)
- Anthem of the Young Pioneers of China (中国少年先锋队队歌)
- Songs and Smiles (歌声与微笑)
- Ode to the Motherland (歌唱祖国)
Broadcast
China Central TelevisionChina Central Television
China Central Television or Chinese Central Television, commonly abbreviated as CCTV, is the major state television broadcaster in mainland China. CCTV has a network of 19 channels broadcasting different programmes and is accessible to more than one billion viewers...
was responsible for the live broadcast of the National Day celebrations and military parade, from 8:00 am (CST) to noon, on CCTV-1
CCTV-1
CCTV-1 is the primary channel of the Chinese television network, CCTV in the People's Republic of China. It has a mixture of all kinds of TV programs, and is available to both cable and terrestrial television viewers.-External links:*...
, CCTV-3
CCTV-3
CCTV-3 is the art focused channel of the CCTV Network in the People's Republic of China.-External links:*...
, CCTV-4
CCTV-4
CCTV-4 is the international broadcast for CCTV International in the Mandarin language. It is one of six CCTV channels that broadcasts outside of China, the other five being CCTV News, CCTV-E, CCTV-F, CCTV-Русский and CCTV-العربية....
, CCTV-7
CCTV-7
CCTV-7 is the military/agricultural focused channel of the CCTV Network in the People's Republic of China.-External links:*...
, CCTV-10
CCTV-10
CCTV-10 is the science and education focused channel of the CCTV Network in the People's Republic of China. Its schedule includes mostly local and imported documentaries, as well as educational studio productions.-External links:...
, CCTV-12
CCTV-12
CCTV-12 is the law and society focused channel of the CCTV Network in the People's Republic of China.-External links:*...
, CCTV News Channel
CCTV News Channel
CCTV-13 , formerly CCTV News , is the news channel of China Central Television, broadcasting across the People's Republic of China since 2003 and with competition is Phoenix InfoNews Channel-Content:...
, CCTV-HD
CCTV-HD
CCTV-22 formerly CCTV-HD is China Central Television's channel designed to broadcast in HD. It was tested in Beijing on 1 January 2008, and launched officially on 30 June 2008. CCTV-HD was created specifically for the 2008 Summer Olympics and 2008 Summer Paralympics.This channel is only available...
and CCTV Music Channel, as well as in other languages (English
CCTV-9
CCTV-9 is the documentary channel of the television network, CCTV in the People's Republic of China. This channel has a local Mandarin Chinese edition called CCTV-9, and an international English language edition called CCTV-9 Documentary. The English edition is carried by more satellites than the...
, French, Spanish
CCTV-E
CCTV International Spanish formerly CCTV-E is a Spanish language entertainment and news channel of China Central Television originating in the People's Republic of China, and are part of the Chinese Government's information ministry....
, Arabic
CCTV International Arabic
CCTV International Arabic is an Arabic-language channel launched by China Central Television in 2009.-Launch:...
and Russian
CCTV International Russian
CCTV International Russian is a Russian language international news, entertainment, and education television channel which is owned by China Central Television.- Launch :The Russian language channel was launched on September 10, 2009 on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the...
on each of their respective language international channels), both on TV and online. CCTV-9
CCTV-9
CCTV-9 is the documentary channel of the television network, CCTV in the People's Republic of China. This channel has a local Mandarin Chinese edition called CCTV-9, and an international English language edition called CCTV-9 Documentary. The English edition is carried by more satellites than the...
(English) rebroadcast the celebrations at 16:00, 24:00, and 7:00 (October 2).
China National Radio
China National Radio
China National Radio is the national radio station of the People's Republic of China. Its headquarters are in Beijing.- History :The infrastructure began with a transmitter from Moscow to set up its first station in Yan'an...
provided live audio coverage throughout mainland China
Mainland China
Mainland China, the Chinese mainland or simply the mainland, is a geopolitical term that refers to the area under the jurisdiction of the People's Republic of China . According to the Taipei-based Mainland Affairs Council, the term excludes the PRC Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and...
on CNR channels 1, 2, 3, 4, and 9; the Hong Kong and Macau
Macau
Macau , also spelled Macao , is, along with Hong Kong, one of the two special administrative regions of the People's Republic of China...
region on CNR channel 7; and Taiwan
Taiwan
Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...
on CNR channel 5.
National Day Evening Gala
On the evening of October 1st, from 20:00 to 22:00, a music concert of 28 patriotic Chinese songs was performed with hundreds of dancers in Tiananmen SquareTiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square is a large city square in the center of Beijing, China, named after the Tiananmen Gate located to its North, separating it from the Forbidden City. Tiananmen Square is the third largest city square in the world...
, with a series of massive fireworks displays overhead. Early media reports earlier predicted that the fireworks presentation would be "double the firepower of the 2008 Olympics opening ceremony
2008 Summer Olympics opening ceremony
The 2008 Summer Olympics opening ceremony was held at the Beijing National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest. It began at 8:00 pm China Standard Time on August 8, 2008, as 8 is considered to be a lucky number. The number 8 is associated with prosperity and confidence in Chinese culture...
". CCTV viewers and Internet users around the world were also both able to watch the live broadcast of the gala.
Songs
Prelude: My MotherlandChapter One: Great Motherland
- I Love China
- Our Motherland Is A Garden
- Paean
- Xinjiang Is A Good Place
- Emancipated Serfs Sing Proudly
- Bellflower Song
- Flower and Youth
- Folk Songs Are Like The Spring Water
- A-Li Mountain Girls
- Our Motherland Is A Garden (slightly different; repeated as a closing to the chapter)
Chapter Two: Our Birth Place
- Today Is Your Birthday
- On The Land Of Hope
- China March
- The New Look Of Our Motherland
- A Toast Song
- Good Days
Chapter Three: On This Vast Land
- Proud Builders
- Youthful China
- Let's Swing Our Oars
- Great China
- Young Friends Get Together
- Meeting Twenty Years Later
Chapter Four: Sunshine Everywhere
- The Sunny Way
- Road To Rejuvenation
- Waltz Of Youth And Friendship
- Ode To The Motherland
- Firmly We Hold Our Hands*
- Country And Home*
(" * " denotes a translation of the song's title different from the officially provided CCTV title)
Commemorative coins and stamps
Three types of gold coins and two types of silver coins were issued by the People's Bank of ChinaPeople's Bank of China
The People's Bank of China is the central bank of the People's Republic of China with the power to control monetary policy and regulate financial institutions in mainland China...
on September 16 to commemorate the anniversary. A total of 60,700 gold coins with face value
Face value
The Face value is the value of a coin, stamp or paper money, as printed on the coin, stamp or bill itself by the minting authority. While the face value usually refers to the true value of the coin, stamp or bill in question it can sometimes be largely symbolic, as is often the case with bullion...
s of ¥
Chinese yuan
The yuan is the base unit of a number of modern Chinese currencies. The yuan is the primary unit of account of the Renminbi.A yuán is also known colloquially as a kuài . One yuán is divided into 10 jiǎo or colloquially máo...
10,000, 2,000 yuan, and 100 yuan were issued, while a total of 106,000 silver coins with the face values of 300 and 10 yuan issued. All the coins, produced by Shenzhen Guobao Mint and Shenyang Mint, and distributed by the China Gold Coin Incorporation, are legal tender.
The obverse of the coins features China's national emblem, set in a frieze of peonies. The reverse includes various designs including a rocket, a satellite, a high-speed train, and the Beijing Olympic Stadium. Other forms will show designs of an open gate, a bridge, or urban construction. They bear Chinese characters saying: "In commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, 1949–2009."
On October 20, 2009, the China National Philatelic Corporation
China National Philatelic Corporation
The China National Philatelic Corporation is the primary agency authorized by the SPB of PRC to sell national stamps, other philatelic items, and provide other philatelic services to the public. It is a government-owned corporation....
issued three collections in commemoration of the 60th Anniversary. There are two stamp albums priced at ¥380 and ¥680 and a stamp scroll priced at ¥1,280. Hongkong Post
Hongkong Post
Hongkong Post is a department under the Government of Hong Kong responsible for postal services, though operated as a Trading Fund. Founded in 1841, it was known as Postal Department or Post Office before the handover of Hong Kong in 1997...
issues a set of six commemorative stamps
Commemorative stamp
A commemorative stamp is a postage stamp, often issued on a significant date such as an anniversary, to honor or commemorate a place, event or person. The subject of the commemorative stamp is usually spelled out in print, unlike definitive stamps which normally depict the subject along with the...
and a stamp sheetlet on October 1. Unlike most stamps, the set of stamps are fan-shaped and form a circle when placed together (as seen in the souvenir sheet configuration). Their pictorial design is based on the winning entries of a competition: Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour is a natural landform harbour situated between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong. The harbour's deep, sheltered waters and strategic location on the South China Sea were instrumental in Hong Kong's establishment as a British colony and its subsequent...
and Tiananmen Square are depicted on two interlocking cogwheels on the $1.40 stamp; the five-star national flag flying by the side of the "Forever Blooming Bauhinia" ($1.80). The Bird's Nest stadium
Beijing National Stadium
Beijing National Stadium, also known officially as the National Stadium, or colloquially as the Bird's Nest , is a stadium in Beijing, China. The stadium was designed for use throughout the 2008 Summer Olympics and Paralympics.-History:...
is on the $2.40, while China's manned spacecraft Shenzhou 7
Shenzhou 7
- Backup crew :Of the back-up crew, only Chen Quan had not previously flown in space.- Mission highlights :The Long March 2F rocket launched the Shenzhou 7 into an initial elliptical orbit of 200 x 330 kilometres inclined at 42.4 degrees on 25 September 2008. About seven hours later the spacecraft...
is depicted on the $2.50. The Temple of Heaven
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven, literally the Altar of Heaven is a complex of Taoist buildings situated in the southeastern part of central Beijing. The complex was visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for good harvest...
features on the $3 value and a golden dragon soaring above the Great Wall
Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is a series of stone and earthen fortifications in northern China, built originally to protect the northern borders of the Chinese Empire against intrusions by various nomadic groups...
adorns the $5 stamp. A souvenir sheet features all six stamps, which form a perfect ring with the accompanying number "6", together forming the number "60". Hong Kong's stamp sheetlet has two $5 stamps in Chinese red, one featuring Beijing and one Victoria
Victoria City
Victoria, Victoria City, or statutorily, the City of Victoria, was one of the first urban settlements in Hong Kong after it became a British colony in 1842. It was initially named Queenstown but was soon known as Victoria...
. The National Emblem and Tiananmen
Tiananmen
The Tiananmen, Tian'anmen or Gate of Heavenly Peace is a famous monument in Beijing, the capital of the People's Republic of China. It is widely used as a national symbol. First built during the Ming Dynasty in 1420, Tian'anmen is often referred to as the front entrance to the Forbidden City...
appear on the left and the Regional Emblem above a night view of Hong Kong.
Outside the PRC
The Empire State BuildingEmpire State Building
The Empire State Building is a 102-story landmark skyscraper and American cultural icon in New York City at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and West 34th Street. It has a roof height of 1,250 feet , and with its antenna spire included, it stands a total of 1,454 ft high. Its name is derived...
in New York City lit up in red and yellow lights on October 1 in commemoration of the founding of the PRC. The display was criticised by some commentators within the United States, with some branding it as an improper gesture towards China. The lights first ignited on the eve of 30 September, and lasted for the duration of the following day.
China's ally and neighbouring state, Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
, issued a commemorative postage stamp of five rupees on October 1.
Kyodo reporters assault
On September 18, 2009, three employees from the Japanese Kyodo NewsKyodo News
is a nonprofit cooperative news agency based in Minato, Tokyo. It was established in November 1945 and it distributes news to almost all newspapers, and radio and television networks in Japan. The newspapers using its news have about 50 million subscribers. K. K. Kyodo News is Kyodo News' business...
agency were assaulted by officials in their Beijing hotel room as they tried to cover the rehearsals of the parade. A foreign ministry official regretted the incident, but said the reporters did not comply with a notification to news organisations to not cover the rehearsal.
Hong Kong protests
Approximately 800 protesters, dressed in black and holding banners, participated in a human rights which started at Chater GardenChater Garden
Chater Garden , located in the Central District of Hong Kong, is a public park directly east of the Legislative Council building. It is named after Sir Paul Chater, and one side of the garden is on Chater Road which is also named after him.-History:...
in Central, Hong Kong
Central, Hong Kong
Central is the central business district of Hong Kong. It is located in Central and Western District, on the north shore of Hong Kong Island, across Victoria Harbour from Tsim Sha Tsui, the southernmost point of Kowloon Peninsula...
. Scuffles broke out when activists tried to carry a mock coffin
Coffin
A coffin is a funerary box used in the display and containment of dead people – either for burial or cremation.Contemporary North American English makes a distinction between "coffin", which is generally understood to denote a funerary box having six sides in plan view, and "casket", which...
to the doorstep of the liaison office. The music group My Little Airport
My Little Airport
my little airport is a Hong Kong-based indie pop band. Their lyrics are marked by spelling, grammar, and rhythm inflected by Hong Kong English. Ah P writes the lyrics and the music, which he also plays, while Nicole sings...
also performed a song named "I Love The Country, But Not The Party" (我愛郊野，但不愛派對), using a pun
Pun
The pun, also called paronomasia, is a form of word play which suggests two or more meanings, by exploiting multiple meanings of words, or of similar-sounding words, for an intended humorous or rhetorical effect. These ambiguities can arise from the intentional use and abuse of homophonic,...
on the 60th anniversary; its Chinese title literally translates "Country" to mean the rural area and "Party" to mean a "social gathering
Party
A party is a gathering of people who have been invited by a host for the purposes of socializing, conversation, or recreation. A party will typically feature food and beverages, and often music and dancing as well....
". The video segment has appeared on a variety of sites, from YouTube
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
to some mainland China sites such as tudou and youku.
See also
- Golden WeekGolden Week (China)Golden Week in the mainland of the People's Republic of China is the name given to two annual 7-day national holidays, implemented in 2000:* The "Spring Festival Golden Week" begins in January or February....
- 2009 Moscow Victory Day Parade2009 Moscow Victory Day ParadeThe Moscow Victory Parade of 2009 was held on the Victory Day on the 64th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War ending in the defeat of Nazi Germany....
- Arirang FestivalArirang FestivalThe Grand Mass Gymnastics and Artistic Performance Arirang are held in the Rungrado May Day Stadium in Pyongyang, North Korea...
mass gamesMass gamesMass games or mass gymnastics are a form of performing arts or gymnastics in which large numbers of performers take part in a highly regimented performance that emphasizes group dynamics rather than individual prowess.-Methods:...
(also involves card stuntCard stuntCard stunts are a planned, coordinated sequence of actions performed by an audience, whose members raise cards that, in the aggregate, create a recognizable image. The images they create can range widely and, through careful planning, the same cards can create a number of different images by...
s) - 100th Anniversary of the Republic of China100th Anniversary of the Republic of ChinaThe 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China began on October 10, 2011 on the 100th anniversary of the Xinhai Revolution. It was celebrated in Taiwan and mainland China, but the meaning of the celebration varies differently by region....
External links
- Official site – Xinhua
- Official site – CCTV News
- Official site – People's Daily
- Official site – China Daily
- Official site – Global Times
- Photographs of 60th anniversary preparations – Boston Globe
- China's Lavish 60th Anniversary – slideshow by Life magazine
- On Location: Beijing – Neighbor or Narc? – video by the Global Post
- The People's Republic Celebrates in Style – slideshow by The First PostThe First PostThe First Post is a British daily online news magazine based in London. It was launched in August 2005. It publishes news, current affairs, lifestyle, opinion, arts and sports pages, and it features an online games arcade and a cinema featuring short films, virals, trailers and eyewitness news...
- Full Video of PRC 60th Anniversary Grand Parade – CCTV
- Full Video of National Day Evening Gala – CCTV
- 720P High Definition Video of the 60th Anniversary Parade – (Youtube) (720p720p720p is the shorthand name for 1280x720, a category of High-definition television video modes having a resolution of 1080 or 720p and a progressive scan...
resolution in HD mode)