Group interview on the National Day military parade
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E-mail China.org.cn, September 25, 2019
Beijing Media Network:
The size of the military parade is relatively large, and the participating troops have conducted several joint rehearsals in the Tiananmen area, and even some routine training that have caused some temporary traffic control measures, which may have some impact on the lives of some Beijing citizens. How do you respond to this issue? Thank you.
Tan Min:
During the preparations for the military parade, especially during the time when military vehicles come on station and when rehearsals are being held in the Tiananmen area, our joint command for the military parade has tried to minimize the disturbance to people's lives, reduce the burden on the local government, and make use of nighttime to organize activities as much as possible. The parade training venue was selected so as to be far from the urban area, thus minimizing the impact on nearby residents as much as possible. The Beijing Municipal Committee of the CPC and the municipal government have attached great importance to the military parade-related logistics work. They have provided a lot of help to the participating troops in terms of their living arrangements, transportation and security. The general public have also shown great understanding and support. For example, on Sept. 14, the second Tiananmen area rehearsal was organized, coinciding with the Mid-Autumn Festival. The rehearsal activities naturally had some impact on people who wanted to go to the Beijing horticultural expo and other tourist attractions in northern Beijing. On the one hand, our parade forces optimized the motor access route, while, on the other hand, the citizens of Beijing showed great understanding, which enabled our rehearsals to proceed safely and smoothly. We would like to take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude to the Beijing Municipal Committee of the CPC, the municipal government and the people of Beijing. Thank you.
The Global Times:
On Sunday during the military parade rehearsal, an air square echelon drill was conducted, and many people shot videos and shared them with friends. Will there be similar rehearsals before the National Day? What's your comment on this air force team drill?
Wu Qian:
Regarding the next rehearsal arrangement, I will not give you any "spoilers" here. Your question reminds me of a story that the press once reported, also about a military parade and planes. At the parade of the ceremony of the founding of the People's Republic of China 70 years ago, the number of our planes was inadequate - only 17 aircraft! Then-Premier Zhou Enlai said, "If we don't have enough planes, then we can fly them twice." How time flies! Here we are, 70 years on, in the new era of China, the country is wealthy and has a strong army. Our planes no longer need to fly for a second time. At this moment, we have enough achievements to comfort the ancestors and martyrs that, "This flourishing era is what you desired."
Cai Zhijun:
I will add some words to my answer. According to the unified plan and arrangements, the participating troops have conducted three joint rehearsals in the Tiananmen area. I can say that the quality of rehearsals gets higher and higher, and the overall results are getting better and better. Everyone is fully prepared for the parade. In other words, all is ready. Let us look forward to the arrival of the solemn and sacred and exciting moment. Thank you.
Macao Daily:
According to reports, the military parade contains peacekeeping troops for the first time. What kind of consideration has made for such an arrangement?
Wu Qian:
Chinese soldiers contribute much to the world. The peacekeeping force in the parade represents tens of thousands of Chinese soldiers who are dedicating their youth and their blood to maintaining peace and security. China is the country dispatching the largest number of peacekeeping soldiers among the permanent members of the U.N. Security Council. In the seven peacekeeping mission areas of the United Nations, more than 2,500 Chinese soldiers are guarding the peace in hostile areas, and there is an 8,000-strong force on standby who will start off once the order is issued. There is no war in China, but we still have to seek sacrifices from our soldiers. So far, many Chinese peacekeepers have died in foreign lands. They would calmly go through a perfect storm and move forward no matter how difficult and dangerous the situation. The Chinese army will, as always, firmly support the U.N.'s peacekeeping cause, writing a fresh chapter with their perseverance and dedication showing how China shoulders the responsibilities of a great country to keep the peace, and take actions and practices to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
Xinhua News Agency:
How is the logistical support of the military parade provided?
Tan Min:
As a Chinese saying goes, "Food and fodder should go before troops and horses." In our view, logistical support provides the necessary backing for sound training and a high-standard military parade. Considering that military logistics is required to "arrive first, leave last and serve all the way," we made full use of the existing support system, strictly followed the existing regulations, implemented the principles of diligence and thrift, and provided logistic support in accordance with the procedures and standards for major military activities. In a nutshell, there are several characteristics.
First, there has to be a joint mechanism in place. The logistical support of the military parade was drawn from various multiple military organizations. We set up a joint support mechanism led by the Central Theater Command, reinforced by a joint force of logistics support troops, supplemented by logistics personnel in various categories and assisted by the local people. We stress the need to keep the big picture in mind, based on the orders received and seeking strong coordination. We have effectively pooled our forces and resources, and explored and practiced a new model of logistics support featuring unified command, joint actions and civil-military integration, drawing on the strengths of each component of the new mechanism.
Second, scientific planning is considered a vital element. Before the military parade, we have to figure out our existing resources and forces in a systematic manner, made accurate arrangements according to need, categorized logistics tasks into transport, food supplies, services, healthcare and epidemic prevention, formulated detailed plans in advance, and make timely, scientific and reasonable adjustments and improvements based on specific tasks.
Third, accurate implementation is crucial. On the basis of a sound overall planning, we adopt flexible and accurate modes to offer support, such as fixed-point, front-line, accompanying and emergency support. For example, we have opened a comprehensive service assurance center at the collective residence, offering services like the ordering of staple and non-staple food, the washing and repair of clothing and shoes, medical care, supermarket shopping and banking and postal services. Officers and soldiers can enjoy "one-stop" services without having to leave the training ground. For another example, we arranged medical staff from the Chinese PLA General Hospital to offer round-the-clock accompanying support at various training locations, and also organized medical experts to conduct regular visits so that officers and soldiers could receive medical treatment whenever and wherever they feel unwell. On food supplies, we conducted three strict inspection and quarantine checks every day to offer considerate care to officers and soldiers receiving review.
I would like to take this opportunity to highlight that, during the collective training for the military parade, the city always offers substantial support. It has set up a service assurance command, facilitated food, water and natural gas supplies, offered help in fire control, facility renovation and traffic management, showing a glorious tradition of coordination and a close bonding between soldiers and civilians. Here, on behalf of the service assurance command, all the officers and soldiers receiving review, as well as the logistic support personnel, I would like to extend our deep gratitude to and salute the Beijing Municipal Party Committee, the Beijing municipal government and the people of the city once again. Thank you.
Xi Yanchun:
Thanks again to the three spokespersons, whose introductions make us look forward to the National Day military parade even more. This is the end of today's group interview. Thank you all.
Translated and edited by Huang Shan, Chen Xia, Zhang Junmian, Zhu Bochen, Wu Jin, Mi Xingang, Zhang Rui, Zhang Jiaqi, Li Huiru, He Shan, Wang Yanfang, Wang Zhiyong, Fan Junmei, Zhou Jing, Geoffrey Murray, Jay Birbeck. In case of any dispute over a discrepancy, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.
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