For China, October 1st is celebrated as the starting day of Communist rule in that country.
Beijing marked the occasion with fireworks and its biggest military parade yet.
The festive atmosphere is in stark contrast to the one in Hong Kong where strong protests continue.
Kim Hyesung reports.
Standing in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, where Mao Zedong declared the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized unity, development and strength as he addressed the world on the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China.
"Today, a socialist China is standing proudly in the world's east, and no force can change the position of our great motherland, and no force can stop the Chinese people and the Chinese nation from forging ahead. While forging ahead, China must uphold the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party."
President Xi's speech was followed by a military parade showcasing China's industrial and scientific achievements, including 15-thousand troops, 160 aircraft and 580 weaponry systems such as the Dongfeng-41 intercontinental ballistic missile, which is believed to be capable of circumventing U.S. missile defense systems.
China's 70th anniversary celebration comes as Beijing faces multiple challenges from its slowest economic growth in decades and ongoing trade war with the U.S. to protests in Hong Kong.
While Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam was in Beijing to celebrate China's National Day, the anti-government protests in Hong
Kong that have rocked the city since June continued through Tuesday.
Hong Kong police fired tear gas at pro-democracy protesters.
More than a quarter of subway train stations in the city were closed, along with hundreds of shops and malls.
The clashes between police and protesters resulted in at least 30 people injured, with one protester critically wounded by a live bullet shot in the chest, making it the first injury from a live round..
During the celebration speech, President Xi Jinping emphasized that the “one country, two systems” principle under which Hong Kong has been governed since its return from British rule in 1997 must be upheld.
Hong Kong usually hosts celebratory events for the anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, but this year the fireworks and festivities were cancelled.
Kim Hyesung, Arirang News.