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)