Cloudy in Beijing Blogging about my time in China

The next cycle

While in a grocery store today, I watched the start of China’s 60th anniversary parade. All the workers there had stopped what they were doing, and gathered in front of the two televisions hanging above the shop’s exit. As the event broadcasted, one shop worker took out her cellphone, looking as if she was ready, but hesistant, to snap a photo of the TV.

It seemed silly. But she wasn’t the only one thinking the same thing. With nearly everyone but VIPs barred from the parade, even I felt compelled to take a photo of the TV screen as the parade went on.

Once back in my apartment, I turned on my television and saw the military portion of the parade. Tanks, artillery and missile launchers of all kind marched on by. I was in awe, seeing the weapon arsenals escalate from small guided missiles to then hulking barrels capable of delivering a nuclear payload.

Newspapers have talked about how this anniversary may symbolize the dawning of a new era in China. Under an ancient Chinese calendar system, reaching 60 years signifies the end of one cycle.

In those last few cycles, China’s had a rough time, whether it be declining under the Qing Dynasty, facing oppression by foreign powers or languishing under early Communist rule. But those days seem so far away after seeing China’s military might on full display today.