Chinese celebrate 77 years of People's Republic, advance modernization with confidence
Baku, October 1, AZERTAC
Hours before dawn on Thursday, Tian'anmen Square was already alive with anticipation. More than 100,000 people from across China gathered at the heart of Beijing to watch the national flag-raising ceremony as the People's Republic of China (PRC) marked its 77th founding anniversary, Xinhua reported.
At around 6:10 a.m., the national anthem echoed across the square. People sang in unison, their eyes following the five-starred red flag as it rose into the sky. For many, the moment brought tears.
When a large flock of white doves soared into the air, cheers and applause erupted from the crowd, filling the square with jubilation.
Children waved national flags as they ran about, young people chatted and laughed with national flag stickers on their cheeks, and older visitors in bright, festive clothes smiled for group photos in front of an 18-meter-high flower basket at the center of the square.
The festive mood extended far beyond the capital. Across the country, many streets were lined with national flags and floral displays, while residential communities were adorned with lanterns and traditional Chinese knots.
On Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping and other senior leaders paid tribute to fallen heroes at a Martyrs' Day ceremony, honoring those who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of the Chinese people and the development of the PRC.
China also presented the 2026 Chinese Government Friendship Award to 50 foreign experts in recognition of their contributions to China's development and to friendship and cooperation between China and other countries.
On this very day 77 years ago, the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong stood on Tian'anmen Rostrum and declared the birth of the PRC, marking a watershed moment in Chinese history.
In the decades since, China has risen from a poor country to the world's second-largest economy and a major country striding toward the center of the world stage.
"We take immense pride in the extraordinary achievements of New China and have full confidence in the bright prospects of Chinese modernization," Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said at a reception on the eve of the National Day.
"As long as we remain confident, stay focused on our goals and move forward steadily, step by step, success will ultimately belong to the great CPC, the great Chinese people and the great PRC," Xi added.
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