Hong Kong threatens to steal spotlight
Beijing: Beijing put the finishing touches on Monday to a massive military parade to celebrate Communist China’s 70th anniversary, but pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong threatened to steal the global media spotlight.
Some 15,000 soldiers will march across Tiananmen Square and the latest military technology will be displayed on Tuesday in a patriotic show of strength to demonstrate the country’s emergence as a global superpower.
President Xi Jinping is expected to make a stirring speech ahead of the parade at the Gate of Heavenly Peace, the same spot where Chairman Mao Zedong announced the founding of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949.
After the military march a civilian parade will involve 100,000 civilians and 70 floats, with organisers releasing 70,000 doves and 70,000 balloons before an evening performance and fireworks in Tiananmen.
The capital city was doused in red Chinese flags, flower displays, lanterns and political slogans ahead of the tightly-choreographed festivities. The final seating stands were pulled into place in Tiananmen on Monday, with the whole square and central Beijing set to be closed off by evening.
Some roads were already closed on Sunday. State broadcaster CCTV was playing patriotic shows throughout Monday and showing images of celebrating citizens, including ethnic minorities in traditional dress waving Chinese flags.
Xi paid tribute to Mao’s embalmed body at the late leader’s mausoleum at Tiananmen Square. But the city’s pollution levels remained high — uncharacteristic ahead of a key event in China when authorities tend to close factories and produce clear skies.
While Beijing is preparing for huge celebrations, ongoing unrest in Hong Kong threatens to upstage festivities with authorities in the semi-autonomous city Monday warning of increased violence by “rioters”. (AFP)