The People's Republic of China (PRC) on Tuesday, October 1, celebrated its 70th anniversary since the founding of the People’s Republic.

Chinese President Xi Jinping led millions of fellow citizens in honoring Mao Zedong — the first chairman of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) — and others who sacrificed their lives during China's long struggle for liberation.

The colorful celebration held at Tiananmen Square was attended by scores of jubilant Chinese and foreign dignitaries and journalists.

Of particular interest to me were the military displays and the huge presence of born-free generations (youngsters born after China's liberation). They were visibly overwhelmed with joy to be part of this historical event.

Some of these cheerful young men and women played key roles in various activities during the celebration with delight, especially the youthful choir that sang beautiful choral harmonies during the event.

Such is the dream the Chinese heroes envisaged when they fought for liberation. They visualized a happy country for all Chinese citizens and their future generations. They also wanted a country that would mold future progress according to the communist party foundations.

The inclusion of a contingent of peacekeepers in full United Nations (UN) peacekeepers' gear of blue berets was another of my favorite moments during the celebrations.

This also reminded me of the need to continue safeguarding world peace, especially in countries where these troops are already serving alongside other foreign troops under the banner of UN peacekeepers' mission.

A key moment for everyone, of course, was when the troops from the Chinese People's Liberation Army and the People's Armed Police Force staged ground and aerial maneuvers projecting China's military prowess.

The teams showcased their breath-taking parades with over 500 pieces of weaponry and 160 helicopters, bombers and other aircraft as they flew past the jam-packed Tiananmen Square.

*Chris Nhlane is a Malawian journalist currently in China for the 2019 China Africa Press Centre fellowship Programme.