China holds Martyrs’ Day ceremony in Beijing

China held a ceremony at the Monument to the People’s Heroes in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, to observe Martyrs’ Day on September 30. The event honors those who died in struggles for national independence, freedom, and development.

President Xi Jinping attended the ceremony alongside other senior Communist Party and state leaders, including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng. During the proceedings, leaders presented flower baskets to honor fallen national heroes.

The commemoration precedes the country’s National Day on October 1. This year’s observances coincide with the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the 90th anniversary of the Red Army’s Long March victory. Beijing has been decorated with large-scale floral installations, including an 18-meter-tall basket titled ‘Blessing to the Motherland,’ and various themed displays along Chang’an Avenue reflecting technological, economic, and social development.