Teaching Comparative Government and Politics

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

A parade can't be planned in a day

Even symbols are important. And in dire economic times, national symbols might be more important than ever.

From the Xinhua, the official Chinese news service

China mobilizes army for National Day parade

"China's top military command has sent down an instruction to troops of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) selected for an unprecedented dress parade on National Day later this year.

"The parade, to be held on Oct. 1 to mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, will involve more arms and weapons than all previous parades, said the instruction issued by the Central Military Commission on Tuesday.

"The instruction said that the parade, to be the highest level of its kind, will showcase the PLA's first-class organization, weapons systems, training results and 'spiritual outlook.'

"With less than eight months left for preparation and training, which is a shorter interval than previous parades, the Central Military Commission urged the chosen troops to 'fully understand the historical and realistic significance' of the dress parade to be viewed by Hu Jintao, chairman of the Central Military Commission...

"The instruction said the parade will promote national pride and self-confidence amid economic hard times.

"'As the international financial crisis is still spreading and there are still some critical problems in the domestic economy as well as many uncertainties in international society, holding such a parade will significantly increase the people's national pride and self-confidence,' it said."

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