60 Years of the New China

Yesterday was a HUGE day here. It was the 60th anniversary of communist rule in China. In the West, the centennial celebration is a big deal; here in the East, the number 60 holds similar importance. So, it was huge, and because of it, we have an 8-day holiday!

It's been an interesting lead up to yesterday. Security has been heightened significantly. Although it is common for lots of police to be monitoring here, lately, the police have been carrying guns, which is not common. In Beijing, tanks and military checkpoints have surrounded areas of significance and many roads are completely closed.

Yesterday, there was a full-day celebration held in Beijing. It began with a military parade at 10am, followed by a citizens' parade, and then an evening performance and fireworks show. (The evening show was said to be even bigger and costlier than the opening ceremony of the Olympics last year!) Interestingly, the general public had no access to any of the activities. No one was allowed anywhere near the parades except for key Communist party officials. Everyone else watched on TV, which showed everything all day and is in re-runs already today. We watched a few minutes of it here and there but were often frustrated by the broadcast on government TV--for example, the Korean War was referred to as the War of American Aggression.

It was an exciting day for the Chinese people, though, and interesting to be a spectator for the outside. They are nothing, if not proud of their country and history--even when acknowledging its flaws.

Here are a few pictures from the events: http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/09/30/china.60years.preview/index.html#cnnSTCPhoto

And here is a link to a story about the National Day and its history: http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/09/30/china.60years.preview/index.html#cnnSTCOther1