Epic celebrations as China marks 77 years of People’s Republic

What the report says

BEIJING — China marked the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic with large National Day celebrations centered on Tian’anmen Square, where more than 100,000 people gathered before dawn for the flag-raising ceremony, according to The Independent Uganda’s publication of a Xinhua report. The crowd sang the anthem, watched the flag rise and took part in a festive scene that included doves, flowers, national flags and public decorations across the capital and other parts of the country.

The report said the anniversary was accompanied by official tributes and messages from Chinese leaders. On Wednesday, President Xi Jinping and other senior officials attended a Martyrs’ Day ceremony to honor those who died in China’s revolutionary history. China also presented its 2026 Government Friendship Award to 50 foreign experts, which the report said recognized their contributions to China’s development and international cooperation.

Beyond the celebrations, the article framed the anniversary as a moment to highlight China’s long-term economic and social transformation since 1949. It pointed to gains in income, life expectancy, manufacturing capacity and technological development, and said the country is entering the 2026-2030 Five-Year Plan period with priorities that include innovation, education, public services and modernization. The report also said the new plan is tied to goals for 2035 and includes support for Hong Kong and Macao. The broader significance, as presented in the report, is China’s effort to project confidence in its development path and future growth.