Some Taiwan and western critics focus on PLA’s ballistic missiles,
fighters and bombers shown on the parade, and caustically claim that China’s weaponry lagged behind those of the U.S., Russia, EU, even Japan for at least twenty years, so don’t worry about that. The points of view are pretty frothy. Yes, people don’t have to worry because China flexes his muscles just for the sake of deterrence, warning others don’t even think of bullying, blackmailing or invading him any more, and this really matters. How to reach the cutting edge of military or other technique? Try to remember Dr. Sun Yat-shen’s teaching: Catch up, don’t follow suit.  It’s just a matter of time.

Do you know which item in the pomp impressed me most? Yes, you’re right.  The phalanx of women militia. I don’t admire the bright, colorful uniform those girls on, nor the fantastic make-ups that make them a bevy of beauties, not even the flawless goose-steps in perfect harmony, but I love the vibrancy and self-confidence they are conveying collectively. Imagine this: less than a century ago, the tightly-wrapped, distorted feet might have shut their great-grandmothers up all day long, not going anywhere. Suddenly I thought of that patriotic vintage song "巾幗英雄", and scalding
tears began to trickle down on my cheeks.