China will hold a grand ceremony today to mark the 30th anniversary of its
reform and opening-up dive, which has turned the once poverty-stricken country
into one of the world largest economies.
The celebration, which is expected to draw top Chinese leaders, is scheduled
to begin at 10 am at the Great Hall of the People in the heart of Beijing.
China's economic reforms started 30 years ago after a 10-year-long cultural
revolution (1966-1976), which left the country on the verge of economic
breakdown.
The decision to open up the once secluded country and reform its moribund
economy was made at the third plenary session of the 11th Central Committee of
the Communist Party of China, which started on December 18, 1978. The date was
commonly regarded as a watershed in China's development.
The celebration will be broadcast in Chinese, English, Spanish and French
through the China Central Television (CCTV), the China National Radio and the
China Radio International.
It will also be shown live via the Internet at www.people.com.cn,
www.xinhuanet.com, and www.cctv.com.
