A confident nation doesn't ban celebrations
China's people genuinely have a reason to celebrate on October 1. The nation has made giant strides since it was founded 60 years ago; no other country can claim to have made such gains in so short a time. Parades, festivities and parties should be the order in every province, city and town. It is a shame that the government has dictated that public celebrations on the mainland that day can only be held in Beijing.
Leaders worry about social unrest, terrorist attacks and appearing to be wasting money. They believe security can be best guaranteed by holding a single parade. If the drills and rehearsals that have been taking place across Beijing for the past few months are any guide, television viewers are going to be impressed. The occasion is of such importance, though, that for people to be confined to their homes instead of participating is nothing short of an anti-climax.
Celebrations in Beijing centre on the parade, which will highlight China's military might. The hi-tech weaponry that will be on show aims to make plain to Chinese and to the world that the nation is capable, prepared and powerful. But the anniversary is about more than impressing and evoking admiration; it is about coming together to toast success. That requires more than a television show.
China is not the only nation struggling with an economic downturn and high unemployment. Ethnic unrest, acts of violence and corruption are worrying; crime is ever-present, as the terrible knife attack in Beijing yesterday reminds us. But they are not reason enough to cancel festivities. Security threats and maintaining order are concerns at public gatherings elsewhere. Resorting to bans rather than facilitating celebrations and making them safe speaks of a nation that is insecure rather than confident.
The bans are a reminder of the mainland's fragility and the paranoia of the leadership. Chinese outside Beijing are disappointed that they have been denied fireworks displays and celebrations. They can take pride in the nation's achievements on October 1. When the next big National Day celebrations are held in 10 years' time, they can hope that the government adopts a more enlightened approach.
