Marching Forward
A series of grand celebrations were held on October 1 in Beijing to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). They included a grand rally at Tiananmen Square where President Xi Jinping, also General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, made an important speech. A military parade and a mass civilian pageantry followed the rally and an evening gala and fireworks show were held at the square that night.
The celebrations showcased China’s tremendous progress over the past seven decades and the historical achievements and transformation under the leadership of the CPC. They will encourage and motivate all sectors to unite more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at the core, stay true to the founding mission, build on existing achievements, secure a decisive victory in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, strive for the great success of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, and realize the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation.
Xi’s speech reviewed China’s history over the past 70 years in an objective manner, giving a comprehensive description of China’s development course. It exuded confidence and pride in China’s tremendous achievements of reform and development, as well as its successful progress. Xi encouraged Chinese people to march forward and strive for national rejuvenation in the new era.
The speech also sent the following messages to the world:
First, Xi said China will stay on the path of peaceful development. The country has pursued a path of independent and peaceful development since the founding of the PRC as the Chinese people love peace, which is in their genes. As China grows strong, it looks to meet people’s aspirations for a better life instead of seeking hegemony.
Second, Xi called for upholding the leadership of the CPC, which is the biggest advantage and essential characteristic of socialism with Chinese characteristics. The founding of the PRC, the construction that followed and the reform and opening-up drive have all been led by the CPC. Without the CPC, China’s achievements would have been impossible.
Third, Xi underlined the importance of ensuring the principal status of the people, who are the main body of history and its creator. He called for efforts to constantly meet people’s aspirations for a better life and create new historic achievements.
Fourth, Xi noted that China will uphold the principles of peaceful reunification and “one country, two systems;” maintain lasting prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao; promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations; unite all Chinese sons and daughters; and continue to strive for the motherland’s complete reunification.
Fifth, Xi stated China will persist on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics since it has proven to be the right course by history and no force will be able to stop the Chinese people and nation from marching forward on this road.