Festivities, including fireworks and concerts (a grand military parade every 10 years)
Date
1 October
Next time
1 October 2025
Frequency
Annual
First time
1 October 1949
President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called on the nation to keep on working hard and forge ahead with determination in advancing Chinese modernization.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at a reception held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
China's National Day falls on Oct. 1.
Li Qiang presided over the reception. Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng attended the event along with around 800 Chinese and foreign guests.
"Achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is an unprecedented cause," Xi said in his address. "Both aspirations and challenges inspire us to seize every moment and persevere with unwavering vigor."
Xi noted that over the 76 years since the founding of New China, the CPC has led the people to score splendid accomplishments through a spirit of self-reliance and continuous efforts.
Not long ago, China commemorated the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, which has inspired patriotism across the nation and pooled the strength for endeavor, Xi said.
He emphasized the importance of continuing to draw on historical experience to achieve greater national development.
Amid a complex situation this year, China has made new progress and achievements in further comprehensively deepening reform, promoting high-quality development, improving the people's wellbeing, and advancing full and rigorous Party self-governance, Xi said.
Noting that the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee is scheduled for next month to study suggestions on the formulation of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) for national economic and social development, Xi urged sound planning and implementation of the goals, tasks and strategic measures for the five-year plan to ensure decisive progress toward basically achieving socialist modernization.
He underscored the need to unswervingly implement the "one country, two systems" policy, and support Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions in better integrating into the country's overall development, as well as in growing their economies and improving the people's wellbeing.
Efforts should be made to deepen exchanges and cooperation across the Taiwan Strait, resolutely oppose "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external interference, and firmly safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, Xi noted.
Against the backdrop of rapid global changes unseen in a century, "we must practice true multilateralism, promote the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative, and work with other countries to build a community with a shared future for humanity," Xi said.
Although it is observed on 1 October, another six days are added to the official holiday, normally in lieu of the two weekend breaks around 1 October, making it a de facto public holiday comprising seven consecutive days also known as Golden Week with specifics regulated by the State Council.[3] Festivities and concerts are usually held nationwide on this day, with a grand military parade and mass pageant event held on select years.[A] The parade held on 1 October 2019 marked the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China.
The People's Republic of China was founded on 1 October 1949, with a ceremony celebrating the forming of the Central People's Government taking place in Tiananmen Square in its new national capital of Peking (previously Peiping) on the same day that year.[6] The first public parade of the new People's Liberation Army took place there, following the address by the first CCP ChairmanMao Zedong officially declaring the formal establishment of the Republic.[7]
On October 9, 1949, the meeting was held at the Qinzheng Hall in Zhongnanhai, where Ma Xulun, due to illness, had his proposal conveyed by Xu Guangping.[9] The Secretary General of the Central People's Government, Lin Boqu, spoke in favor of the proposal, and Mao Zedong also expressed his support.[10] Finally, the meeting unanimously adopted the proposal and made a resolution "Requesting the Government to designate October 1 as the National Day of the People's Republic of China to replace the old National Day of October 10", which was sent to the Central People's Government for adoption and implementation.[11]
On December 2, 1949, the Fourth Session of the Central People's Government Committee (Chinese: 中央人民政府委员会) adopted the Resolution on the National Day of the People's Republic of China, which proclaimed that since 1950, October 1 of each year, the day on which the People's Republic of China was proclaimed, would be the National Day of the People's Republic of China.[12][13]
On December 23, 1949, the Twelfth Political Affairs Conference of the State Council of the Central People's Government (Chinese: 中央人民政府政务院) passed the Measures for National Holidays on Annual and Memorial Days, stipulating that National Day should be a national holiday for all the people as the October 1 and October 2.[14][15] On October 1, 1950, the first National Day celebrations were held in Tiananmen Square.[16]
The day is celebrated throughout mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau with a variety of government-organized festivities, including fireworks and concerts, as well as sports events and cultural events. Public places, such as Tiananmen Square in Beijing, are decorated in a festive theme. Portraits of revered leaders, such as Mao Zedong, are publicly displayed.[24] The holiday is also celebrated by many overseas Chinese.
Wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument to the People's Heroes
From 2004 to 2013, a national wreath-laying ceremony was held on National Day in Tiananmen Square following the flag raising ceremony on years with no parades. The ceremony was centered on the Monument to the People's Heroes, built in 1958 in remembrance of the millions of Chinese who perished during the long years of national struggle. Beginning in 2014, they have been held on a new holiday, Martyrs' Day, set on the eve of National Day, 30 September, and is presided by the paramount leader and other party and state leaders.[25]
National flag-raising ceremony
For many years, a flag-raising ceremony has been held at Tiananmen Square in the morning of the day if no parade is scheduled on the day.[26] The 6 a.m. National Day flag-raising ceremony is important in years without any anniversary parades. Held at the Tiananmen Square, since 2017 the Beijing Garrison Honor Guard Battalion's Color Guard Company is present for the ceremony with the National Marching Band of the PLA. Until 2016 the Beijing People's Armed Police units provided men for the ceremonial color guard unit. The ceremony is open to the public and tourists and is widely televised and streamed online for viewers at home and abroad. At the end of the ceremony, doves and colorful balloons are released.[27][28]
National civil-military parade
Marshal Lin Biao surveying the soldiers during the 10th anniversary military parade in 1959.
The special civil-military parade of the People's Liberation Army, People's Armed Police and the Militia together with representatives of the people of all walks of life including the Young Pioneers of China is held on special years in the morning of National Day itself. It has been televised on China Central Television since 1984 (and broadcast around the world from that year as well via satellite and cable television), is a key highlight of the national celebrations in Beijing.[29] The parade was annual from 1950 to 1959 and terminated until 1984.[30] There was a parade planned for 1989 but was cancelled following the June 4th crackdown. Parades were held again in 1999 and 2009.[31][32]
the 10th anniversary of the People's Republic of China in 1959
the 15th anniversary of the National Day of the People's Republic of China in 1964
Chairman Mao Zedong and President Liu Shaoqi on the 15th Anniversary of the National Day of the People's Republic of China in 1964
the 50th anniversary of the People's Republic of China in 1999
2004 National Day celebration in Tiananmen Square, Beijing
Tiananmen Square, 2006 National Day of the PRC. The placard reads "Warmly celebrate the 57th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China". The portrait is that of Sun Yat-sen.[35]
Taking precautions Workers busy repairing the slope at Taman Eko Rimba, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, to prevent any untoward incidents during the upcoming northeast monsoon. — ART CHEN/ The Star
Early warning systems, monitoring best defence for risky slopes, say department
PETALING JAYA: With more than 1,000 slopes nationwide flagged as high-risk ahead of the northeast monsoon, the Public Works Department (JKR) says round-the-clock monitoring and early-warning systems remain the country’s best defence against sudden collapses.
JKR director-general Datuk Roslan Ismail said although the prediction of the exact time and location of a slope collapse is still very difficult, the ministry monitors precursors at all times to ensure minimal damage.
He said that, despite advanced technologies, it is still not easy to solve all of Mother Nature’s failings.
The best the authorities can do is to treat the symptoms – the precursors such as rain and soil movement.
Roslan was responding to the recent announcement by Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi that there are slopes nationwide that are classified as high-risk and on the verge of collapsing at any time.
He said that there are 1,066 high-risk slopes in Peninsular Malaysia, seven in Sabah, one in Sarawak, and 13 in Labuan.
“In Peninsular Malaysia, numerous very high-risk slopes that have been previously identified are situated along federal roads. A notable cluster of these high-risk sites has been observed on the East-West Highway.
“Current systems do not ‘precisely predict’ every collapse (of soil).
“What the system does is detect precursors (excessive rainfall, ground movement and pore pressure rises) and issue early-warning alerts when thresholds are exceeded.
“Research and JKR practices show early-warning systems and real-time monitoring reduce surprise failures and allow protective action.
“Through the Slope Engineering Branch of JKR, we are equipped to address potential disasters by identifying slopes that may be unstable. The Slope Hazard and Risk Map (SHaRp) works in tandem with the Landslide Early Warning System (EWS) to achieve this.
“This Early Warning System uses telemetry technology to provide early alerts when the rainfall index measured by installed rain gauges exceeds the warning threshold. There are 73 rain gauge stations installed across Malaysia,” said Roslan.
Other sensors and thresholds used are the robotic total stations (RTS) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) at selected critical slopes to detect movement and rainfall thresholds that trigger alerts.
“These sensors provide data on thresholds, such as rainfall amounts and displacement, to the monitoring room. When these thresholds are met, BiGBen will issue warnings, and roads can then be closed,” explained Roslan.
But he said that JKR does not just wait for these thresholds to be reached.
“When a slope becomes imminently dangerous, operational measures such as pre-identified alternative routes, staged road closures, traffic diversions and coordination with emergency services will be activated immediately.
“If landslides or slope failures occur, clearing the road and removing debris (landslide remnants), implementing traffic management plans, providing temporary diversion and alternative routes, and protecting the collapsed slope with plastic tarpaulin sheets to prevent further landslides before permanent slope repair or restoration work is carried out,” said Roslan.
He said that, while slope failures are costly, the Works Ministry prioritises funding for repairs and prevention.
Roslan said that the ministry has also identified smaller sets for urgent repair for remedial work, which are specific projects with allocated budgets.
Despite the challenges in accurately predicting slope failures, Roslan emphasised that prevention remains a more cost-effective and safer approach.
“International and local studies show landslides produce large human and economic costs.
“Malaysia has experienced costly landslide events, with academic research highlighting the cumulative impact of these incidents over several decades.
“Investing in monitoring, preventive maintenance, and remediation reduces fatalities, disruptions and long-term economic losses compared with post-disaster repairs and emergency response.
“Prevention is certainly better than allowing slope failures to occur, as large-scale landslides may result in much higher repair costs compared to early-stage mitigation costs. However, the government is subject to budget approvals and has a high backlog of repair works that must be prioritised.
“Preventive maintenance and early works budgets (and improved monitoring coverage) reduce the need for larger emergency expenditures and the indirect economic costs from road closures and disrupted supply chains,” said Roslan -
China's first electromagnetic catapult-equipped aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has achieved a breakthrough by hosting the first catapult-assisted takeoff and arrested landing training for the J-15T heavy fighter jet, the J-35 stealth fighter jet, and the KJ-600 early warning aircraft, the Chinese People's Liberation Ar the links into yourmy (PLA) Navy announced on September 22, 2025. Photo: China Military Bugle
China's first electromagnetic catapult-equipped aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has achieved a breakthrough by hosting the first catapult-assisted takeoff and arrested landing training for the J-15T heavy fighter jet, the J-35 stealth fighter jet, and the KJ-600 early warning aircraft, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy announced on September 22, 2025. Photo: China Military Bugle
The latest breakthrough made by China's aircraft carrier Fujian has attracted wide attention from foreign media outlets, with one of them saying the move was "a stunning leap forward" of China's aircraft carrier capability, while another called the sudden release a surprise. This comes after the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy on Monday announced that the J-35 stealth fighter jet, J-15T heavy fighter jet and KJ-600 early warning aircraft had completed catapult-assisted takeoff and arrested landing training on China's third aircraft carrier, the electromagnetic catapult-equipped Fujian.
Chinese experts said the new carrier, expected to enter service soon, will elevate the PLA Navy's capability to new heights.
The only other aircraft carrier in the world that has the EMALS (electromagnetic aircraft launch system) is the US Navy's newest carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford, which was certified for flight deck operations using the EMALS system in the spring of 2022, CNN noted in its report on the Fujian's technological breakthrough on Tuesday.
The EMALS system allows carrier aircraft to take off with heavier weapon and fuel loads than those operating off China's two older carriers, the Shandong and Liaoning, which feature ski-jump-type take-off ramps, enabling Fujian's aircraft to strike enemy targets from greater distances, CNN said. The report also quoted analysts as saying that the Fujian's ability to launch larger warplanes carrying higher munitions loads to farther distances will give the carrier a greater combat range than its predecessors in the Chinese fleet, providing the PLA Navy with blue-water capabilities.
Furthermore, The War Zone, a US-based defense specialist outlet, noted that not even the US Navy's USS Gerald R. Ford has ever launched a stealth fighter jet like the Fujian has done with the J-35. "[The Ford] has not launched an F-35C so far, making the J-35 the first stealth jet to achieve this feat. Based on earlier predictions, the F-35C may not do the same for some years," The War Zone wrote in a Monday article titled "China's Aircraft Carrier Capability Just Made A Stunning Leap Forward".
Naval News said on Tuesday that the "sudden release" by the Chinese military has taken the wider online commentariat somewhat by surprise. It noted that while the announcement was made on Monday, the flight operation-footage likely dates to earlier in 2025. Circumstantial evidence supporting this notion is again the particular condition of the ship at the time.
USNI News, the news website of the US Naval Institute, on Monday quoted analyst Ben Lewis as saying that the Fujian's test was a "significant milestone" for the Chinese military's carrier program.
"While it appears likely that the tests were done earlier this year, the choice to release the footage during Fujian's ninth sea trials suggests that Fujian will likely be ready for commissioning in the near future," Lewis said.
Chinese military affairs expert Zhang Junshe told the Global Times that with the Fujian's latest breakthrough, China is becoming a major aircraft carrier power, with both the carrier and its aircraft achieving world-class in key metrics.
This not only showed that the PLA has fully mastered and matured the application of complex electromagnetic catapults, but also reflected the continuous improvement in the capability and proficiency of naval personnel in operating high-tech equipment, Zhang Junshe said.
With the boost from electromagnetic catapults, the Fujian carrier formation can greatly expand its combat radius to cover as far as the second island chain in the Western Pacific, Zhang Junshe noted.
In response to a media request for comments on analyses claiming that the future commissioning of the aircraft carrier Fujian, the strike range of which will cover the second island chain, will surely change the strategic landscape in the Western Pacific region, and that some US analyses claimed that the Fujian will threaten US military deployment in the first island chain, Chinese Defense Ministry Spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said at a regular press conference on Thursday that China always adheres to a defensive national defense policy.
The development of China's weapons and equipment is solely for safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests. China will always be a force for peace, stability, and progress in the world, the spokesperson said.
Thursday marks the 13th anniversary of the commissioning of China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, with September 25, 2012 becoming the start of an era when the PLA Navy started aircraft carrier operations.
Zhang Junshe, the expert, further noted that the experience and exploration gained from the Liaoning have provided significant reference and assistance for the operation, training, and deployment of subsequent aircraft carriers, leading to a substantial enhancement of China's integrated combat capabilities for aircraft carriers.
From having no aircraft carrier to commissioning its first one in 2012 to now entering an era with three, China's naval capabilities have advanced rapidly.
"The PLA Navy will also have greater confidence in safeguarding maritime rights and interests and carrying out missions on the far seas," said Han Wei, a professor at the PLA's Naval Aviation University, the Xinhua News Agency reported.
The electromagnetic catapult-assisted takeoff and arrested landing training on the Fujian will powerfully drive a generational leap in the integrated combat capabilities of the aircraft carrier formation, providing crucial support for conducting far seas combat missions and accelerating the navy's strategic transition from near seas defense to far seas defense, Han said.
Looking into the future, Zhang Junshe said in an interview with the military channel of China Central Television (CCTV) that China's aircraft carrier program still has significant room for development.
According to Zhang Junshe, future carriers will transition to utilizing catapult-assisted takeoff in terms of launch systems, while regarding propulsion, the direction is toward developing nuclear-powered carriers, CCTV reported.
Enhancing the PLA Navy's combat capabilities essentially translates to an increase in strength for safeguarding world peace, contributing to better defending the country, fulfilling international responsibilities and obligations, and maintaining global peace and stability, Zhang Junshe said.
When asked to confirm foreign media reports claiming that China's fourth aircraft carrier, also the first nuclear-powered one, is under construction at Dalian Shipyard, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang told the Global Times at a regular press conference on Thursday that he was not aware of the specific situation. He emphasized that China's aircraft carrier development is always conducted in accordance with national security needs and the progress of equipment technology. - Liu Xuanzun
China’s first electromagnetic catapult-equipped aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has achieved a breakthrough by hosting the first catapult-assisted takeoff ...
Chinese aircraft carrier Fujian has completed multiple sea trials since its maiden sailing in May 2024 and announced the successful completion of a key electromagnetic catapult test in September 2025, putting the carrier's progress "well ahead of schedule," CCTV News reported on Saturday.
After a US$1 trillion investment, the e has evolved into a global infrastructure and economic strategy involving more than 150 countries.
Two months ago, China inaugurated a new train service that adopts a sea-road-rail intermodal approach, reducing the transit time to about 18 days for about 4,300km – more than a 50% increase in efficiency – and notably avoids passing through the Strait of Malacca.
Its full name, the “Zheng He” Sea-road-rail International Multimodal Transport Service, departs from Kunming, carrying 26 containers of Yunnan specialities, including vegetables, fertilisers and animal feed. It then traverses the China-laos Railway to Vientiane, Laos, and then divides into three routes to complete the transportation.
Route one transfers to the Thai railway network to reach Changwat Saraburi in Thailand, route two connects to road transport to Laem Chabang Port in Thailand, followed by sea freight to Singapore.
And route three connects to road transport to Ranong Port in Thailand, then by sea to Yangon Port in Myanmar, and thence by sea to Chittagong Port in Bangladesh.
Named after the renowned navigator Zheng He, a favourite son of Kunming, this amazing feat of engineering has opened up goods from the mainland and Yunnan specifically to new markets, saving costs and resources.
One of these new markets could potentially be Malaysia.
With China being Asean’s largest trading partner, Malaysia’s geographical position makes it a crucial node for the Maritime Silk Road, with its ports and infrastructure playing a pivotal role in regional connectivity and trade.
A key BRI initiative is the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), a massive infrastructure project connecting the east and west coasts of the peninsula with 20 stations along its route.
Construction work for the 665km railway project has reached 86% completion as of July, despite several hiccups and challenges throughout its development and implementation phases. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Aimed at improving connectivity and stimulating economic development, the project traversing Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Selangor is set to be an economic game changer, especially in boosting Malaysia’s transportation network.
Travel time between Kota Baru and the Klang Valley is anticipated to be around four hours, compared to seven hours or more by road during festive seasons.
In March, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the ECRL will serve as a catalyst for socioeconomic growth and is expected to increase the country’s GDP by 3.78% by 2047. -
In April, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority said the ECRL is anticipated to generate RM1.4 trillion for Malaysia’s economy by 2047 with a focus on industrial parks, logistics hubs and transit-oriented developments.
The numbers quoted are impressive, but for the ECRL to truly be effective, there must be a further rail connection with the Thai rail network.
There has been talk of extending the ECRL from Kota Baru to the Sungai Golok border in Thailand to create a seamless connection. This in turn can ensure a transfer of goods from Yunnan and vice versa.
While talks are ongoing between the Thai and Malaysian governments, there are obstacles in the way. Flood risks in the low lying Rantau Panjang stretch is a worry, as is track compatibility because the ECRL uses a standard gauge (1.435m wide), while the State Railway of Thailand uses a 1m gauge.
Technical issues aside, there is political consensus to see the connection happen and it would stimulate trade between the two countries.
As the BRI evolves, it is prompting discussion and debate as to its optimal scale, design, benefits and impact. What cannot be denied is that this initiative continues to be a significant geopolitical force, with its influence on regional and global development being recognised worldwide.
This is no longer a speculative blueprint; it is the largest modern infrastructure initiative in human history. - by ),Brian Martin,
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![Tiananmen Square, 2006 National Day of the PRC. The placard reads "Warmly celebrate the 57th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China". The portrait is that of Sun Yat-sen.[35]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tiananmen_Square_-_National_Day_2006.jpg)
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