E-Paper
China prepares military parade to mark 60 years
Chinese officials are preparing to hold a grand military parade later this year as part of the country's commemoration of 60 years of communist rule, state media reported Sunday.
Chinese officials are preparing to hold a grand military parade later this year as part of the country's commemoration of 60 years of communist rule, state media reported Sunday.
The Web site of the People's Daily newspaper said the latest military weaponry and equipment of the People's Liberation Army will be put on display during the parade, but the report did not give details.
The ruling Communist Party is using the anniversary, which falls on Oct. 1, to highlight China's economic and military progress, particularly under market-oriented reforms launched three decades ago.
"The military parade has always been regarded as the best way of showcasing the country's power and influence as well as its military strength," the report said.
The information office of the State Council, China's Cabinet, did not immediately respond to a faxed list of questions Sunday. The country last held a massive military parade in 1999 as China celebrated the 50th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic on Oct. 1, 1949.
