In Beijing, celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China have begun. Head of state Xi Jinping said in a speech at Tiananmen Square that no one could "stop the Chinese people and the Chinese nation on the way forward". No power could "shake the foundations of this great nation."
The anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic is celebrated in Beijing with the largest weapon show in history. The celebrations started in the morning with 70 salute shots at Tiananmen Square. 15,000 troops marched up to the huge military parade. In addition, 580 tanks, other weapon systems and nuclear-ready intercontinental ballistic missiles were deployed on the Road of Eternal Peace.
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According to experts, the communist leadership wants to use the military show to demonstrate military strength, its absolute claim to power and international will to shape.
Xi Jinping, who can remain in office after a constitutional amendment for life, was celebrated on National Day as the undisputed leader of the billion people. The parade was accompanied by massive security measures. Streets and districts were cordoned off. Only invited guests were admitted after strict security checks.
Video of China's national holiday: showdown in the war of images
Naohiko Hatta / AP; THE MIRROR
In Hong Kong, meanwhile, the police tried to stop large-scale protests. The Chinese Special Administrative Region Police conducted numerous road and public security roadside checks on Tuesday. Two subway stations near government buildings remained closed.
Democracy activists in Hong Kong are planning new protests for Tuesday. They want to hold a "day of mourning" in the former British Crown Colony. All inhabitants of the metropolis should therefore wear black clothes.
