Well, john, I think I have to tell you, as a Japanese foreigner, I have lived in China for more than 20 years since 1988, and what I see from this celebrations is totally different from yours.

The speed of exactly 116 paces makes it 169 paces in total which representing 169 years from the year 1840 when The Opium War broke out, and I just have to say China is a nation that has a so rich culture that many many things can NOT be easily understood and agreed by a foreigner from the way a national celebration conducted to the way in which just the most of(almost 80%) Chinese people think of politics, no matter he is a Japanese that have lived in China for more than 20 years or a American that have went to China for few times.

I agree that maybe China is not powerful than USA in a whole, but China is much more influential and powerful in its neighbourhood, not only today, but from the very beginning of its founding.(North Korea War, an example)

One more fact: Modesty is a virtue that is highly appreciated in China and its culture, so it IS always a fact that China's real military strength IS stronger, maybe much stronger than the one it shows, whereas USA just loves to show off its new weapons and planes the next day they are produced.

Let's just go and watch, in 2049, which is the most powerful nation on the earth, China or USA.

Ya.. That's why we call it communist country. Even they say their technology is "made by china", we see a lot of news about china spy on US space technology, Korean ship building, and others essential and important latest technologies. But all these news can be seen only channels like CNN who delivers real news of the world. But in asian countries like singapore and china, it's almost like no civilians knows.

Sometimes I really a shame of China leaders who dare to speak like everything is created and invented in China. And they obviously going against US. It is like a person who stole others property and shouting back to the owner.

I do not know how long the correspondent has lived in China but he was definitely writing this article with jealous and he doesnt understand China and Chinese. How does he know what the Chinese people want? Quoting "wouldnt it be better if the ppl were allowed to take part in some kinda festive celebration". Well Id say that dont try to circle the Chinese way with the US or western view for the world.

I very much agree, it would have painted a much more convincing pictured of a peaceful and united country if there would have been citizens involved in the celebration or at least shown on TV.

But even a few miles away from the parade people weren't allowed to gather. A big TV screen at the Poly Plaza was shut off after around 50 people gathered on the lawn in front of it to watch and celebrate together.

I had expected to see lots of people in the streets, celebrating. Instead the streets were mostly empty apart from the police, armed forces and the yellow-shirt volunteers.

From my observation, the feedback about the show seemed pretty diverse. Many of the citizen who sat in front of the Poly Plaza screen rewarded most parts of Hu Jintao's speech with applause.
A lot of people i have spoken to though found the show scary and were especially worried to see Hu Jintao's picture being idolized together with huge portraits of Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping and Jiang Zemin.

I have to tell you, John, this celebration was for the Chinese people. We know what we like and we have our own ways to celebrate. the difference among westerners and Chinese is so obvious and simple. I won't judge what is good and what is bad. You westerners go to pubs/bars getting drunk, we stay at home making dumplings and watching New Year tv programs together. Most Chinese preferred to watch the parade with family at home and didn't need to be on the streets. Another example, we Chinese noted that in many cases the beautiful Chinese girls in the eyes of western men are actually not even good looking...

I am surprised to read your comments that the peace-loving image of Chinese can be destroyed by the military parade. I failed to see the logic. If we follow this logic, can we conclude that America is the most aggressive nation in the world? I felt that we all are using double standards, there is no exception, whether you are a westerner or Chinese.

A celebration is a celebration. John, you wont like others to tell you how to celebrate your birthday. If you don't like a party, you may walk away.

The differences between Eastern and Western cultures is undeniable. I would not be so presumptuous as to tell Chinese people how they should celebrate the growth of their nation. What is strange to me is their need to show their military power. It's technology that Russia and the United States have had for 50 years now, so you're not blowing anyone away with missiles and fast walking.

People are so politically charged these days. Any American with half a brain respects the Chinese people for their rich culture, history, and giving us Jet Li. We may not always like it, but we respect the Chinese government because they own massive amounts of our debt.

I hope that the China will continue to grow and prosper along with the rest of the world, I just hope they start to spend less time and money on espionage and developing weapons and spend more time giving all their citizens clean air and water. America should do the same.