Comments on: Chinese military parades http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2009/10/31/chinese-military-parades/ Economics, Politics and Public Policy in East Asia and the Pacific Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:17:23 +1100 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: zack http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2009/10/31/chinese-military-parades/comment-page-1/#comment-72425 zack Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:20:15 +0000 http://www.eastasiaforum.org/?p=7648#comment-72425 Why does China still conduct parades? Given China's history from 1840 onwards, it is important to understand the importance of parades to the Chinese populace rather than simply a means by which the Communist Party maintains control. Military Parades inspire national pride and inform viewers that modern China is more than capable of defending itself-something China rightfully considers important as a victim of the opium wars and the unequal treaties. Secondly, other countries which never suffered a 'century of humiliation' continue the tradition of military parades. France and Russia come to mind, and the United States practices something akin to a 'military parade' with F-15s flying over the American superbowl. Why does China still conduct parades?
Given China’s history from 1840 onwards, it is important to understand the importance of parades to the Chinese populace rather than simply a means by which the Communist Party maintains control.

Military Parades inspire national pride and inform viewers that modern China is more than capable of defending itself-something China rightfully considers important as a victim of the opium wars and the unequal treaties.

Secondly, other countries which never suffered a ‘century of humiliation’ continue the tradition of military parades. France and Russia come to mind, and the United States practices something akin to a ‘military parade’ with F-15s flying over the American superbowl.

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