Xi Jinping to outline his vision of a strong China in grand National Day celebration
- President will preside over meticulously planned events including lavish military parade to mark 70th anniversary of Communist Party rule
- He led top officials to pay tribute to People’s Republic founding father Mao Zedong on Monday
The meticulously planned celebrations – which include a lavish military parade, gala evening show and fireworks – are a chance for Xi to outline his vision of a strong China under the firm direction of the party.
In a hugely symbolic gesture, Xi on Monday led seven top officials to pay tribute to Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People’s Republic. It was the first time since the end of the Cultural Revolution that a head of state had visited the former leader’s mausoleum at Tiananmen Square ahead of the National Day celebration.
The 66-year-old is expected to join Mao, Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao on the pedestal of “top leaders” on Tuesday morning when he presides over a parade of 15,000 People’s Liberation Army soldiers. A 100,000-strong civilian parade will follow, featuring a huge portrait of the president along with those of his predecessors.
Broadcast nationwide and closely monitored by China watchers around the world, Xi is expected to begin proceedings with a major speech outlining his vision for strengthening party rule.
Xi’s stature in the party will be seen as the PLA soldiers march along Changan Avenue, saluting their commander-in-chief in well-rehearsed formations. Xi, who took power seven years ago, will watch over the ceremony from the Tiananmen rostrum, where Mao proclaimed the founding of the People’s Republic 70 years ago. A cultural show and huge fireworks display will follow in the evening.
