China's symbolic celebrations

Clockwise l to r: Float depicting Communist heroes; President Hu wearing a "Mao" suit stands in an iconic 6.4m Hongqi HQE, or Red-Flag limousine, similar to one Mao used in 1949; Float depicting modes of transport; Military planes fly in formation.

What message is the Chinese Communist Party trying to convey through its elaborate 60th anniversary celebrations? Here Dr Steve Tsang of St Antony's College, Oxford University, gives his interpretation of a selection of images from the parades.

1 We are modern, we are beautiful, and we don't forget who makes us so. We stand united. We march proudly forward to defend steadfastly the Party's leadership. We uphold the red flag and the Leninist heritage carved in stone.

2 There is no forgetting the past. Continuity is what makes China great. I am a modern globetrotting leader who brings you national strength and prosperity. China is rising. But don't forget, I inherit and uphold the legacy of Chairman Mao - in a great big modern Hongqi limousine, not just a Mercedes.

3 Rejoice, we are on track to build a harmonious society - under the leadership of President Hu and the Communist Party. It is modern. It is Chinese. Now, all of you get on the fast track to a harmonious society on the "Harmony" high speed train. Dissent is not harmonious.

4 Isn't our modern air force great? But don't forget to admire the blue sky. The People's Liberation Army has seen to it - and not a bird in sight, until their turn comes when the doves will be released. We can conquer nature - and we have. We should all rejoice and unite under the leadership of the Party.

I think china has democracy and this the major thing. And it symbolises peace and democracy.
James kyagaba, Dar-salam ,tanzania

Though our leader party has many problems. I still love my country and the people. When I was watching our parade,I can't help being pround of them.
little yi, shanghai/China

It's really hard for me to agree with Dr Steve Tsang, especially regarding the "no forgettng". I think "no forgetting" is for a better "move on". Taking the history as a mirror to avoid making the mistake in the future.
Eva, Beijing

This Dr Steve Tsang lives in the cold war past. China has moved on, unfortunately he has not.
Nonothing, Glasgow

The Communist Party of China "has" and "will" make it,though there is a long way to go
Jacky Hu, wuhan/china

I'm thinking in Chinese, I cannot understand English well. The author is thinking in English, so he cannot understand Chinese well.
Ken, canada

Though our beloved country has problems, we are solving it!!!Go ahead,China!
Michelle, Guangzhou,China

All this hoopla hides the fact that the communist leadership of china is standing on its hind legs and hissing just like a tarantula would, if threatened. And the thing threatening them is their own people. Not just in Tibet and East Turkestan, but disaffected chinese everywhere in "china".
Major Tso, New York

China is an emerging superpower and it is no surprise to see Chinese will to celebrate it and show it to the world. Chinese have a good reason to be proud of their country and achievements they have made in those 60 years no matter how shaky some periods have been. China is here, it is powerful and seemingly it is no longer to afraid to say that openly.
Jonas, Vilnius, Lithuania