BRUSSELS, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Chairman of the European People's Party (EPP) Joseph Daul congratulated the People's Republic of China on its 60th founding anniversary. 

The helicopters fly during the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 1, 2009. (Xinhua/Chen Shugen) Photo Gallery>>>

    "Today's China is a major global political and economic actor that has achieved outstanding growth rates in the last few decades, lifting over half a billion people out of extreme poverty," Daul said in a message that appeared in the latest issue of the Parliament magazine.

    "On this occasion, I would like to pay my respects to the Chinese people and to underline the importance the EPP group attaches to EU-China relations," Daul said, referring to China's Thursday celebrations of the 60th anniversary.

    He expressed the wish of the EPP, the largest party group within the European Parliament, for "a sincere, open and continuous dialogue not only on economic issues but also on a range of political issues and human rights."

    Daul said he was looking forward to "future contacts to strengthen our cooperation."

Japanese media respond positively to 60th anniversary of New China

    TOKYO, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Major Japanese media on Thursday responded positively to the 60th anniversary of the founding of New China, lauding the great strides China has made in the past 60years and acknowledging the continuous improvement of its national strength and international status.

    "China has developed into the world's third largest economy following the United States and Japan since it adopted the market economic system 30 years ago, and it is just a matter of time for China to overtake Japan." the Yomiuri Shimbun said in its editorial. Full story

Mighty China is the strong backing for overseas Chinese: Thai-Chinese Television president

    BANGKOK, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- "I burst into tears when watching the splendid military review and pageant in the Tian'anmen Square this morning, and was filled with pride as a overseas Chinese, " said Wut Saelaeng, the president of Thai-Chinese Television Co., Ltd, at the 60th anniversary of the founding of People's Republic of China.

    Wut, a Chinese-blood Thai businessman in his 40s, told Xinhua that this morning he went to his television company in Bangkok quite early, and waited with his staff before the TV screen for the anniversary ceremony. Full story

DPRK newspaper hails China's achievements over 60 years

    PYONGYANG, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The official Rodong Sinmun daily of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) spoke on Thursday highly of China's achievements in the past 60 years, vowing to consolidate and develop the DPRK-China friendship.

    It congratulated the Chinese people on their National Day in an article titled "the proud 60 years of struggle and strides," saying that the Chinese people had made magnificent achievements in all fields. Full story

Overseas Chinese in Myanmar praise national day parade

   YANGON, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Some leaders of overseas Chinese in Myanmar said on Thursday that the 60th anniversary Chinese national day parade was unprecedentedly grand which demonstrates the strength of the motherland and shows confidence in anticipation of the future.

   Hailing the grand parade as "very good", the leaders told Xinhua after an over-two-hour watch on the live telecast received through TV and internet that the parade was exciting and very good. Full story

Special Report: 60th Anniversary of Founding of PRC