An exhibition celebrating the 80th anniversary of the People's
Liberation Army (PLA) of China opened in Beijing on Monday.
Displays include declassified materials, atomic weapons, satellites
and research papers.
Li Changchun, a Central Committee member of the
Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party
of China (CPC), attended the opening ceremony.
Liu Yunshan, head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central
Committee, was also present at the opening ceremony. "The
exhibition showcases PLA development after New China was founded,"
he commented.
Visitors may examine various Chinese missiles. Models of China's
first atomic bomb and hydrogen bomb are also on display. And, for
the first time the public may view a manually operated mechanical
computer used in the research and development of atomic weapons.
Other exhibits include advanced military weaponry, such as new
types of ground-to-ground missiles, medium-range surface-to-air
missiles, fighter aircraft and new logistic outfits.
Additionally, the exhibition houses several unique attractions:
a punching bag pummeled by the late chairman Mao Zedong as he
watched a military competition, the first national and army flags
raised by the PLA Hong Kong and Macao troops and various items
belonging to military martyrs and heroes.
Visitors may also simulate piloting warships and tanks. The
exhibition runs from July 16 to August 20 and is free of
charge.
A total of 970 pictures and 1,750 army exhibits are on display
in the 6,540 square meters of the Chinese People's Revolution
Military Museum. August 1st of this year marks the PLA's 80th
anniversary.
(Xinhua News Agency July 17, 2007)
