China held a massive military parade in Beijing on September 3 to mark the 80th anniversary of its victory in World War II. People from all walks of life across the country watched the live broadcast in various ways, witnessing this historic moment together. At the primary school section of  China (Hong Kong) English School (CHES), a special viewing event was also underway.

▲Teachers and students from China (Hong Kong) English School watch the live broadcast of the military parade. Photo by Yu Zhaoyu

Special requests from foreign teachers

Xie Hui, the headmistress of the primary school section, said it was the third day of the new term, and the school specially organized students to watch the military parade together. Despite having no classes and the school not requiring their attendance, the foreign teachers still expressed their desire to watch. The school has specially set up a venue for foreign teachers to watch the live broadcast.

▲The foreign teachers watch the military parade. Photo by Yu Zhaoyu

In their office, several foreign teachers were watching the parade live. Bryan from Australia believed that the military parade enables Chinese people to witness firsthand the nation's current strength and serves as an excellent way to showcase China's capabilities to the world. "Because of my childhood love for toy tanks, I am most impressed by the tank display segment in the parade and I am very interested in seeing tanks." Bryan said.

Asa has been working and living in China for eight years. "Today is an important day for China. The military parade leaves a deep impression on me, especially the display of weapons and equipment, such as tanks and ballistic weapons. I could really feel how powerful China's modern technology and weapons are!" Asa said that his kids are learning Chinese and culture in China, and he hoped they will one day pursue careers and settle here, just as he has.

Touching moments for Hong Kong, Macao students, parents

Among the CHES students at the primary school section, there are more than two hundred ones from Hong Kong and Macao. Xie Hui emphasized that organizing the viewing serves to materialize abstract patriotic education, creating an indelible impression of national strength in students' experiences. It aims to foster a clear sense of national identity and civic consciousness, particularly among students from Hong Kong and Macao, by providing them with direct perception of China's development achievements. The event also offers a historical context for understanding the significance of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, underscoring the preciousness of contemporary peace and national prosperity that were achieved through persistent struggle.

▲Students watching the parade react with applause and exclamations at each spectacular scene. Photo by Yu Zhaoyu

At the scene, the children's faces were filled with excitement and admiration. Loeng Ji Ting, a sixth-grade student from Hong Kong, said: "When I saw those precision-formed troops and cutting-edge weaponry, my heart swelled with pride. This is the might that protects our homeland!" He shared that his passion for technology and programming drives his fascination with the parade's advanced weaponry systems.

▲Loeng Ji Ting. Photo by Yu Zhaoyu

Jyun Zi Hong, a sixth-grader from Macao, said it was his first time watching a grand military parade. He was amazed by the PLA soldiers and vowed to study hard, aiming to be as outstanding as them when he grows up and contribute to the country.

Lai Lai, a fourth-grader from Hong Kong, watched the military parade for the first time and exclaimed with joy. "It's wonderful to watch it with my classmates! The soldiers marching are so tidy and impressive." She noticed how advanced the weapons were and sensed the nation's strength. 

Lai Lai's parents were also invited by the school to join the viewing. Her mother Zheng Sushan described the on-site atmosphere as "truly awe-inspiring," particularly when the national anthem played and she was moved to see the children singing along. Zheng believed studying in the mainland offered Hong Kong and Macao students valuable exposure to patriotic education, enabling them to gain a deeper appreciation for the nation's sentiments and strength. "Such education holds significant positive impact for children," she said.