China says there will be no military parade to mark Communist Party centenary
- Senior official rules out lavish display but says new spaces will be created to showcase PLA history
- Meanwhile, party history is to be taught at schools across the country this year
“There will be no military parade,” Li Jun, assistant director of the Central Military Commission’s Political Work Department, told a press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday.
“All [military] personnel will remain in their positions to celebrate the centenary and safeguard the peace of the country and the people.”
Four years earlier Xi presided over another parade, marking 70 years since the end of World War II. It was the first time China had put on a military display outside its national day, prompting speculation that a parade could also be planned for the centenary.
He said the main theme for the PLA celebrations would be “consolidating loyalty” to the party and to Xi, who heads the Central Military Commission.
“The army’s celebrations will focus on … resolutely following the command of Chairman Xi, being responsible for Chairman Xi and assuring Chairman Xi,” Li said.
Meanwhile, party history is to be taught at primary and secondary schools across the country this year.
“We will proactively push for the study of party history – through textbooks, classrooms and minds,” said Wang Xiaohui, executive deputy director of the party’s Publicity Department, who was also at the briefing.
“[We] will guide young people to learn the history and to love the party and the country, and to resolutely listen to the party and follow the party,” he said.
There would also be a “gathering” to celebrate the centenary and Xi would give an address, Wang said, without giving further details.
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Fu Xingguo, deputy director of the Organisation Department, which oversees the party’s cadres, said medals would be awarded to people who had been members for 50 years or longer.
“This will help to incentivise generations of party members to make contributions and help rally support for the party to achieve its 14th five-year plan and the 2035 vision,” Fu said.