New Delhi: Indian and Chinese military delegations will meet on Thursday at Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. It will be the first meeting between the militaries of the two countries following reports of recent tension and incursions by China's People's Liberation Army along the border.
But October 1 is also a day for celebration in China as the country will celebrate the 60th anniversary of foundation of the People's Republic of China. Grand celebrations have been planned to mark the occasion with President Hu Jintao and Prime Minister Wen Jiabao attending the official ceremonies in Beijing.
"We are at a new historical starting point. Forty years from now, we will be celebrating the centenary of new China. By that time, a modernised socialist country, prosperous, democratic, harmonious and culturally advanced, will stand firm in the east of the world," said Jiabao on the eve of 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China.
In Beijing flags and buntings were out but large parts of the city were off limits to its citizens for security reasons. Armoured vehicles were deployed at sensitive locations with black clad armed police omnipresent but people didn't seem to mind.
"I think China is the safest country in the world. But we cannot rule out the possibility of chaotic situations arising," said a Beijing resident Sun Peipei.
Officials would not say where the threat could come from but recent disturbances in Xinjiang where nearly 200 people died and last year's unrest in Tibet have made the authorities cautious.
Nevertheless the celebrations have been planned on a grand scale with parades and fireworks.
"I feel like we are blessed because we are not living in the troubled times. We should cherish our current life," another Beijing resident Liu Qiansuan added.
The celebrations have been planned to showcase China's rise from civil war and wrenching social and political change to an emerging superpower.
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