60th Anniversary Celebrations

Posted on 13 October 2009.

A 60-gun salute; the Chinese flag raised in Tiananmen Square; soldiers, tanks and missile launchers parading past; large portraits of top leaders; ideological slogans; Olympic medal winners; decorated floats from every Chinese province; and finally children releasing multi-coloured balloons into the sky - it all went to make up a three-kilometre-long parade on October 1st to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Across the country, Chinese flags flew from shops, office buildings, homes, cars and motorbikes. Schools put on special performances, with every class singing a patriotic song. The Ministry of Education produced a special television programme to encourage patriotism among young people, which primary and middle school pupils then wrote about in their classes. And on the evening of October 1st, the nation gathered around their TV sets to watch a gala extravaganza of song, dance and fireworks.

Authorities were determined that nothing would mar the celebrations. Streets across China were flooded with extra police and security volunteers. In Beijing, there was a ban on mailing liquids or powders, which included such items as soap and toothpaste. Kite-flying was also prohibited and pigeon fanciers were told to keep their birds in the coop. Even the international airport was closed for the parade.

Residents on the main route were not allowed to open their windows or watch the parade from their balconies. As the anniversary approached, Reuters reported, "Hotels have been told they are not to rent rooms which face Changan Avenue, the main road along which the parade will travel. Other people living near the centre of town are being told they cannot have guests to stay over the period, and to stock up on food in case they are stopped from going outside."

In the end, the celebrations passed off smoothly and President Hu Jintao was able to declare, "[We] have triumphed over all sorts of difficulties and setbacks and risks to gain the great achievements evident to the world. Today, a socialist China geared toward modernisation, the world and the future towers majestically in the East" (Guardian).

Give thanks to God for the positive changes that have taken place in China over the past 60 years. Lift up the country in this special anniversary year, as the people reflect on the past and consider what the future may hold.

Pray for the leaders of China. May God grant them wisdom as they lead the people, make important decisions and consider the best way to guide the country forward.

Pray for the people of China. May their hearts be softened and open to the Holy Spirit's
prompting. May many more be drawn to put their trust in the Lord Jesus.

Pray that the church in China might be a beacon of light that points people to the Lord. May Holy Spirit-anointed, Christ-centred Christian leaders be raised up to lead the people in His ways.