The float expressing "science and technology development" takes part in a parade of the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, on Chang'an Street in central Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 1, 2009. (Xinhua/Li Gang) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- China highlighted its achievements in the science and technology fields Thursday during the grand celebrations of the 60th founding anniversary of the People's Republic.

    A float representing the high-tech sector pulled into the Tian'anmen Square in the heart of Beijing, carrying a large television screen that showcased the country's progress in science and technology.

    Wan Gang, minister of science and technology, told Xinhua that if China wanted to bottom out from the global financial crisis smoothly, the country should endeavor to make breakthroughs in key fronts of the science and technology sector including new energy, biotechnology, information and others.

    Early last month, Premier Wen Jiabao described technological innovation as "an important pillar" of the country's development.

    China would make greater efforts to develop new industries of strategic importance, Wen said when addressing the 2009 Summer Davos forum in Dalian, northeast Liaoning Province.

    "To overcome the severe international financial crisis, we must rely more on science and technology in making breakthroughs and boosting development," said Wen.

    China's research and development spending stood at 457 billion yuan (66.9 billion U.S. dollars) in 2008, an increase of 23.2 percent from the previous year, accounting for 1.52 percent of the annual GDP.

A float of science and technology takes part in a parade of the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, on Chang'an Street in central Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 1, 2009. (Xinhua/Li Xiaoguo) Photo Gallery>>>

Float demonstrates Chinese cultural prosperity

    BEIJING, Oct.1 (Xinhua) -- A float with a shining fan-shaped picture of traditional Peking opera performer on a civilian parade formation showcased Chinese cultural prosperity since the founding of the People's Republic of China six decades ago.

    Paraders dressed in long-sleeved shirts and white pants marched past the Tian'anmen Rostrum. A banner on the float reads "promoting the socialist cultural development and prosperity". Full story

Solar panels at National Day parade highlight changes in China's energy use

    BEIJING, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Solar panels held by a formation of energy workers at the National Day parade on Thursday demonstrated China's determination to shift to renewable energy in handling climate change.

    Surrounded by energy workers, a float carrying the sculptures of windmills and oil reserve containers, as well as a banner reading "Striving to develop clean energy," moving past Tian'anmen Square at the magnificent pageant marking New China's 60th anniversary of founding. Full story

"EARTH" T-shirt spells out China's green drive at National Day parade

    BEIJING, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The word of "EARTH" printed on the T-shirts worn by the paraders of the environment formation were among a few English letters shown at New China's 60-year birthday pageant.

    They underscored China's resolution to cut pollution and protect ecological environment as it saw severe environmental degradation from years of double-digit economic expansion. Full story

Jumbo jet, high-speed train show "China drive" at National Day parade

    BEIJING, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- China's fast changing transportation system could not be better reflected in its homegrown high-speed trains and jumbo jets project, as their sculptures were displayed on a float moving through the crowds Thursday morning at a pageant marking the 60th founding anniversary of the People's Republic.

    Sculptures of trains, airplanes and automobiles are placed on a model of multi-layer overpass, which signals China's capability of making the most leading transportation tools and its position as having the world's second longest highway after the United States. Full story

Float depicts China's rural transformation at National Day parade

    BEIJING, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Jubilant Chinese farmers performed folk dance on a float moving past Tian'anmen Square Thursday morning, revealing their rejoice at New China's grandest National Day parade.

    With a theme of "Constructing the socialist new countryside", the float was surrounded by farmer representatives wearing colorful folk clothes and waving wheatears. Full story

Special Report: 60th Anniversary of Founding of PRC