Explore military parade training base ahead of National Day celebration

The much-anticipated military parade in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China will be held in Tian'anmen Square in downtown Beijing on October 1st.

Our reporter Li Yi explored the training base for the parade ahead of the celebration, and she brings us some of the highlights to be expected for this year's grand gathering.

Soldiers train for the military parade in preparation for the National Day celebration in Beijing, on September 17, 2019. [Photo: China Plus]

Among rows of soldiers who are training for the upcoming National Day celebration, a group of peacekeepers stands out with their unique blue berets.

On October 1st, the 70th birthday of the People's Republic of China, a formation of peacekeepers will march through the rostrum in Tian'anmen Square. It will be the first time for China's peacekeeping forces to march in the military parade on National Day.

Soldiers train for the military parade in preparation for the National Day celebration in Beijing, on September 17, 2019. [Photo: China Plus]

Xu Youze is the peacekeeping formation leader and deputy commander of the 81th Army Group of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). He says it's a great honor for peacekeepers to march during the National Day celebration.

"The debut in the military parade on National Day means the Chinese peacekeeping force has gone global and gained crucial status in the world. It shows China's responsibility as a major country and China's determination and strength to safeguard world peace. As you can see, soldiers are full of vigor and vitality. That's because they are driven by a strong sense of honor and motivation."

Soldiers train for the military parade in preparation for the National Day celebration in Beijing, on September 17, 2019. [Photo: China Plus]

The Militia has always been a focus during the military parade on National Day. Political Commissar Shi Lianxue of the militia division for this year's military parade says militia members have trained hard.

"This year's militia division consists of civil servants, doctors, nurses, teachers and company staff. All of them registered to take part in the parade voluntarily. They want to show their patriotic feelings by being part of the National Day celebration."

Soldiers train for the military parade in preparation for the National Day celebration in Beijing, on September 17, 2019. [Photo: China Plus]

Militia member Zhao Bingqing says she cherishes the experience of training for the parade.

"Once after we trained for a long time, we cried when we looked at each other. We didn't cry out of feeling tired or miserable, rather we cried as we were touched. What I've learned here will be my life-time treasure. I've learned a lot about our country's army and military strength."