Today marks the 60th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. Photo credit: Xinhua/Li Ga.

President Hu Jintao appeared on the rostrum at Tiananmen Square in a black Mao-style tunic, speaking from the same spot where Mao Zedong had stood 60 years ago, and claimed China had a bright future, had made global economic strides and would unite all cultures and ethnicities within it.

He called on the Chinese people to unite more closely to build a “rich, strong, democratic, civilised, harmonious and modernised socialist country.”

He was joined by his predecessor Jiang Zemin, Premier Wen Jiabao and other senior leaders.

Hu conducted a drive-by inspection of the armed forces in a military parade that showed previously unseen missile technology and featured long lines of tanks, goose-stepping soldiers and missile launchers; the Chinese flag was then formally raised after a 60-gun salute. A 2,000-strong military band played martial tunes throughout the procession.

National Day is an annual highlight for the Chinese government, but its 60th anniversary of what China sees as the start of its transformation from an impoverished country into a global contender appears to be a marked celebration. Reports said that the event would use twice as many fireworks as featured in the opening ceremony to last year’s Olympic Games.

While about 30,000 guests were invited, the majority of local residents were told to stay indoors and watch the two mile procession on television.

Coupled with numerous ideological slogans, unprecedented security levels, extraordinary choreography and a clear display of its military might, China was certainly sending a message to its citizens and the world at large.