Nearly 1,000 university students from 29 universities and colleges in Beijing gathered Saturday in the ruins of a former royal garden destroyed by European allies at the beginning of the 20th century to mark China 's first national defense education day.

Leaders from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and local government explained the National Defense Education Law to the group at the Yuanmingyuan ruins.

Students from three Beijing universities gave speeches on the national defense.

China has designated every third Saturday in September as its national defense education day.

(people's daily.com.cn 09/16/2001)