By Vincent Jeong

Photo shows Chinese people across the country flocking into the Tiananmen Square to witness the flag-raising ceremony. (Photograph: Vincent Jeong/PKU News)

Peking University, October 6, 2022: The streets of Beijing were busting with people who had traveled from different parts of the country to visit the heart of the capital, Tiananmen Square, for the celebration of the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) on October 1, 2022, the National Day. On this very single day, people beaming with excitement and pride would arrive at the scene earlier than their usual daily routine and stand in line to enter the square for the flag-raising ceremony.

I managed to attend the event a few days after the National Day (on October 4), during the so-called Golden Week holiday and gained insights into how the Chinese are driven and encouraged by their appreciation and love toward both the country and the Party. Those glistening eyes and great admiration presented throughout the flag-raising ceremony speak to the fact that the Chinese would always demonstrate their faithful loyalties to their motherland.

The patriotic spirit manifested at the ceremony constitutes the strength of the country and its citizens since the establishment of the PRC in 1949. As it is well known that China has endured various hardships throughout modern history to reach its current position as one of the leading players in global development; and the core pillar which defines what it means to be Chinese would also serve as the true grit and determination to see things through.

Photo shows thousands of people surrounding the flagpole in the center of the square as they await the commencement of the ceremony. (Photograph: Vincent Jeong/PKU News)

Recently, a film directed by Ning Haiqiang (宁海强) starring famous Chinese actor Liu Ye (刘烨) called "Steel Will (钢铁意志)" is being promoted and shown in theaters throughout the country, including at Peking University. The movie tells a story about how the Chinese ancestors sacrificed a great deal during the 1950s to produce steel, which was a valuable resource at the time. At a promotion event at PKU, Director Ning stated that “the film is to honor the first-generation steel workers of China and that through the plot of the movie, young adults could learn about what it meant for steel workers to be responsible for the country’s development in the past”. In addition, Director Ning pinpointed that people who have seen the film will be able to hold on to each of their patriotic nature and endure incoming adversities so as to further the construction of the motherland.

Photo taken on September 26, 2022, shows the cast and crew of the recent film ‘Steel Will’ holding a promotion event at Peking University. (Photograph: Vincent Jeong/PKU News)

Despite the difficulties that China has faced over the past several months, the Chinese public still places their full confidence in the recovery of the economy which is being affected by the COVID-19 epidemic. The prevention and control measures imposed by the government are operating effectively to secure a safe COVID-free zone and the amount of recovery packages fired up by the central and provincial government also helps to reduce the pressure in several business sectors including tourism, exhibition and sports. According to a recent interview with the Global Times, Professor Zhang Yiwu of Peking University reiterated that the Chinese public places faith in the government for implementing measures to seize a steady economic recovery momentum and continue to pave the way for high-quality development after the 20th National People’s Congress which will be held on October 16.

It is worth mentioning that the duration of the National Day holiday is most likely to spur up the courage and patriotic spirit of the Chinese public. While the majority of the people have different perspectives and struggles, they are encouraged by the persistence of the nation to overcome obstacles and achieve victory. Above all, the National Day serves as a good reminder for the public of the toils that their ancestors had to endure, which would allow them to forge ahead against all odds with a sense of hope and courage.

Vincent Jeong is an international student from South Korea; he is studying international relations at Peking University. 

Edited by: Dennis Meng