BEIJING – President Xi Jinping was at Beijing’s iconic Bird’s Nest stadium last night for a spectacular celebration of Communist Party of China (CPC) history, with the nation’s rebound from the novel coronavirus awarded special attention.
The event was held before Thursday’s centenary of the Party that has shaped China’s modern history, guiding the country from war-torn to superpower status.
The show was replete with carefully choreographed set-pieces of the Party’s history, big-screen dedications to key leaders from Mao Zedong to Xi, 100 trumpets and a special greeting from the three astronauts currently at China’s space station
Performers triumphantly punched fists in the air, danced and gave a theatrical retelling of Party highlights – from the foundation of the Party in a Shanghai house in 1921 to Mao’s legendary Long March.
A special dedication was given to the nation’s “defeat” of COVID-19, with performers in personal protective equipment (PPE) and soldiers wearing facemasks.
The novel coronavirus has been virtually squashed in the mainland, and the economy is on the rebound.
That contrasts with the rolling lockdowns, high death rates and economic ruin that have roiled the West and many developing countries.
Fireworks boomed overhead, as thousands crowded for a view outside the venue – which was constructed for the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
Xi will award medals to Party faithful today and is expected to deliver a speech reinforcing the message that the Party he heads represents economic growth and continuity. – AFP, MPD
An art performance titled “The Great Journey” is held in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) at the National Stadium in Beijing last night. – Xinhua
An art performance titled “The Great Journey” is held in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) at the National Stadium in Beijing last night. Party and state leaders Xi Jinping (from left to right), Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng and Wang Qishan joined about 20,000 spectators to watch the show. – Xinhua
