China to stage mass celebrations: 60 years of Communist Power

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8284087.stm

Security forces have been deployed in force across Beijing, ahead of a military parade expected to showcase previously unseen missile technology.

A pageant featuring ordinary people will also be held in Tiananmen Square.

Some 30,000 people have been invited to watch the events, but others are being encouraged to stay at home and watch it on TV to "avoid complications".

Armed police in body armour have taken up positions at major road junctions in the capital, with snipers spotted on buildings along the parade route on Chang'an Avenue.

The BBC's Michael Bristow in Beijing says roads have been blocked off, the international airport will be closed and the subway disrupted.

Many shops and businesses have been closed along the route and a new portrait of Mao Zedong has been installed in Tiananmen Square, he adds.

Some reports say the extravaganza will use twice as many fireworks as featured in the opening ceremony to last year's Olympic Games.

National Day is an annual highlight for the Chinese government, but extra effort has been made to mark the 60th anniversary of what China sees as the start of its transformation from an impoverished country to a global contender.

On the eve of the festivities, the country's leaders held a dinner for 4,000 people in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Premier Wen Jiabao praised China's development and said was looking forward to celebrating "the centenary of New China" in 40 years' time.