China's 70th Birthday: Military parade, events set for October 1 in Beijing

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It will be an anniversary celebration complete with parades, fireworks, and people from all walks of life. The 70th birthday of the People's Republic of China will feature a military parade on October 1st and a civilian parade, an estimated 100 thousand people will take part in on Beijing's Tiananmen Square. And that's just the beginning. CGTN's Wu Guoxiu has a bigger preview.

China finds itself one month away from yet another milestone birthday. Beijing's Tian'anmen Square will host a grand celebration of the birth of the People's Republic of China, 70 years ago, announced at the same place. President Xi Jinping will deliver a speech. Military and civilian parades will follow.

CAI ZHIJUN, DEPUTY DIRECTOR MILITARY PARADE GROUP OFFICE "We'll unveil the PLA's brand-new image at the new starting point, heading towards the world's first-class military with openness and confidence. It needs to be stressed that, this parade is an important part of celebrating the 70th anniversary of new China. It doesn't target any country, region, or situation."

WU GUOXIU BEIJING "Organizers say the military parade set for October 1st, celebrating China's 70th birthday will be bigger than each of the last three military parades held at Tian'anmen Square, including the 50th and 60th birthday celebrations. Some brand new weapons will make their debuts. And all the events will stress participation of the public."

The civilian parade that follows will gather over 100 thousand people from all walks of life. That evening, Tiananmen Square will feature a gala, complete with performances and fireworks. 60 thousand people, mostly Beijingers, are expected to partake.

DU FEIJIN, DIRECTOR PUBLICITY DEPARTMENT OF CPC BEIJING COMMITTEE "People attending the civilian parade will include workers, farmers, teachers, students, doctors and civil servants, and also those from newer sectors like deliverymen, and aunties that dance in squares. It will also include compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, overseas Chinese and foreign friends."

President Xi will also award medals and national titles of honor to those responsible for major contributions, including some foreigners.

Exhibitions highlighting the achievements of the past seven decades will be held at the Beijing Exhibition Center starting in September.

The officials say in 70 years, the PRC has gone from a closed, poor and weak country to an open, prosperous one, making historic economic and social achievements.

The nation's GDP in 2018 was 175 times greater than in 1952, averaging a more than 8 percent increase every year. Celebrations across the country promise to be both ceremonious, reflective and economical.

Wu Guoxiu, CGTN, Beijing.