China decks the streets with slogans as party centenary approaches
- Red banners and billboards have proliferated across the country in the weeks ahead of July 1 celebrations
- Roadside signs remind citizens to listen to the party and live a civilised life
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Large boards with a red-emblazoned “100” and the hammer and sickle emblem hang above retail stores and along busy streets, while other signs remind citizens to live a “civilised” life and obey authorities.
“Listen to the party, appreciate the party, follow the party,” declares one roadside sign in Beijing.
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Party propaganda is a part of daily life in China, where red banners giving advice, encouragement and official messages are seen on streets all year round. But public displays have proliferated in recent weeks as the centenary draws near.
“Build a civilised image everywhere, let’s all be civilised citizens,” reads one banner, against a warm-hued silhouette of families against the capital’s skyline.
Authorities have used his legend to encourage citizens to strive hard, and messages under his picture urge the public to “learn the Lei Feng spirit”.
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Elsewhere at a major downtown street corner in Beijing, a bright red screen is broadcasting a row of People’s Liberation Army troops in helmets, holding bayonets and yelling. “Raise a new generation of spirited, capable, courageous and morally upright revolutionary soldiers,” the text underneath reads.
China has the second-largest military budget in the world after the US, although Beijing’s defence spending still accounts for less than a third of Washington’s outlay.
Next month’s anniversary celebrations will see the release of a blockbuster film about the party’s founding featuring some of China’s top movie talent. Key party members will also receive a special medal at a ceremony in Beijing.
