Jiang Zemin and other Chinese leaders including Li Peng, Zhu Rongji, Li Ruihuan, Wei Jianxing and Li Lanqing, arrived at the theater at 7:45 pm to a hearty round of applause.

Dubbed "Song of the Century," the show focused on the harmonious relationship between the army and the people, the 80-year history of the Chinese people fighting for national independence, liberation and rejuvenation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, and the achievements of China's reform, opening up and socialist modernization drive.

At the gathering, performances by army troupes included four parts -- "The East is Red", "The Story in Spring", "Marching into a New Era" and the epilogue "China in the New Century".

(Xinhua 01/20/2001)