Gathering, parade to mark 70th anniversary

President Xi Jinping will attend a grand gathering to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Oct 1, which will be followed by celebrations that include a grand military parade.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will deliver an important speech at the gathering.

The parade will be larger than those marking the 50th and 60th anniversaries of the PRC's founding and the 70th anniversary of victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) in 2015, said Major General Cai Zhijun, deputy director of the Central Military Commission's Joint Staff Department.

The Tian'anmen Square parade will debut advanced weapons and equipment, he said, adding that all equipment displayed is domestically developed and in service. It will consist of square formations of marching soldiers from different forces and types of vehicles and equipment as well as air formations.

Cai said the parade aims to highlight the command system, scale and structure, innovation and development of the country's national defense and strength of air operations after military reform and restructuring.

It will comprehensively demonstrate China's achievements in building its national defense, highlight an "open and confident" military image and manifest combat capabilities, Cai said. It will focus on displaying the capabilities of joint operations and training that have incorporated information technology and are systematic and cooperative, he said.

Cai said the parade is not aimed at any country, region or situation but is meant to show China's confidence and determination to safeguard national sovereignty and security and defend world peace and stability.

The military parade, followed by a mass pageant with themed floats, will be a grand celebration on Oct 1 attended by Party and State leaders and members of the public, said Wang Xiaohui, executive deputy head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee.

That evening, they will also join a gathering featuring a gala and fireworks show.

A series of other activities dedicated to the 70th anniversary will also take place in the coming weeks.

At an event in Beijing's Great Hall of People, Xi will present the Medals of the Republic, Medals of Friendship and national titles of honor to outstanding people who have made great contributions to the PRC's establishment and development.

Other activities include presenting flower baskets at the Monument to the People's Heroes on Sept 30 for Martyrs' Day and an exhibition during September showcasing major achievements over the past 70 years.

The CPC Central Committee, the State Council and the Central Military Commission will also jointly issue medals in commemoration of the 70th anniversary as part of the celebration activities.