President Xi Jinping will attend a grand gathering to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Oct 1, which will be followed by celebrations that include a grand military parade.
The parade will be larger than those marking the 50th and 60th anniversaries of the PRC's founding and the 70th anniversary of victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) in 2015, said Major General Cai Zhijun, deputy director of the Central Military Commission's Joint Staff Department.
The Tian'anmen Square parade will debut advanced weapons and equipment, he said, adding that all equipment displayed is domestically developed and in service. It will consist of square formations of marching soldiers from different forces and types of vehicles and equipment as well as air formations.
Cai said the parade aims to highlight the command system, scale and structure, innovation and development of the country's national defense and strength of air operations after military reform and restructuring.
It will comprehensively demonstrate China's achievements in building its national defense, highlight an "open and confident" military image and manifest combat capabilities, Cai said. It will focus on displaying the capabilities of joint operations and trai-ning that have incorporated information technology and are systematic and cooperative, he said.
Cai said the parade is not aimed at any country, region or situation but is meant to show China's confidence and determination to safeguard national sovereignty and security and defend world peace and stability.
That evening, they will also join a gathering featuring a gala and fireworks show.
A series of other activities dedicated to the 70th anniversary will also take place in the coming weeks.
At an event in Beijing's Great Hall of People, Xi will present the Medals of the Republic, Medals of Friendship and national titles of honor to outstanding people who have made great contributions to the PRC's establishment and development.
Other activities include presenting flower baskets at the Monument to the People's Heroes on Sept 30 for Martyrs' Day and an exhibition during September showcasing major achievements over the past 70 years.
