China on Thursday unveiled its celebration plan to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) on the National Day, October 1 in Beijing.

Wang Xiaohui, executive deputy head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, briefed the media on the plans at a press conference.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will deliver an important speech at the grand gathering, which will be followed by a military parade and mass pageantry, according to Wang.

"The parade is an occasion to review our military capabilities ... and an important part of the celebrations. Some of China's advanced military hardware will make their debut at the parade," said Major General Cai Zhijun, deputy director-general of the Operations Bureau of the Joint Staff Department under the Central Military Commission.

"In general, this year's parade will be larger in scale than previous parades. The event is not meant to send a message to other countries or regions. The Chinese army is committed to defending national interests and safeguarding world peace," the general added.

In the evening, CPC and state leaders will join people from all walks of life for a grand fireworks show and art performance, he added.

"People attending the civilian parade will include workers, farmers, teachers, students, doctors and civil servants, as well as deliverymen and square dancing aunties," said Du Feijin, director of the Publicity Department of CPC Beijing Committee, adding that "It will also include compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, overseas Chinese and foreign friends."

National medals, honorary titles, and Medals of the Republic, the country's highest honor, will be awarded for the first time to prominent figures who have made outstanding contributions to the construction and development of the PRC.

The Medals of Friendship will also be awarded to foreigners who have made significant contributions to China's socialist modernization drive and promoted exchanges and cooperation between China and the rest of the world.

A commemoration ceremony will be held the day before the National Day at the Monument to the People's Heroes in downtown Beijing's Tian'anmen Square.

(CGTN's Wu Guoxiu also contributed to the story)