Chinese honor guards shine at Mexico's independence parade
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A Chinese honor guard unit rounded off its Mexico tour on Friday, after staging a stunning performance at the host country's independence bicentennial.
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Guards of honor from China attended a military parade to celebrate Mexico's 200th birthday in the Mexico City, September 16, 2010. |
Although it was the first time for the Guard of Honor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) to participate in a military parade abroad, the 34-member team accomplished the task perfectly, said Meng Xianhua, head of the ceremonial unit, before heading back for China.
The audience gave thunderous cheers and applause when the Chinese soldiers passed by on the grand celebration in central Mexico City on Thursday, which also featured honor guards from 15 other foreign countries.
In the Chinese array, a standard bearer and five escorts walked in the front. Following them was a commander, who led three rows of soldiers respectively representing the army, the navy and the air force.
"China! China!" some spectators shouted eagerly at the parading Chinese soldiers as they strode forward in strict formation with a valiant posture and synchronized steps before tens of thousands of audience members.
"Many overseas Chinese had waited (for the start of our performance) for three to four hours. Some overseas students even followed us to the destination of the military parade 7.5 kilometers away," said Hu Pengfei, an escort in the team.
Among the compatriots was Chu Haiyan, who was apparently excited. "Their heroic bearing and orderly gait attracted us. It was a memorable day for us overseas Chinese. I am very happy to witness the unforgettable scene," she said.
Also cheerful was a local resident who identified himself as Pedro. Terming the military review as "very great," the 58-year-old said that every foreign unit had its own specialties, but he liked the Chinese one best, "because it was the best."
The Chinese team, with an average age of 20, braved a variety of difficulties, including language, jet lag and altitude reaction, to stage the successful appearance, Meng noted.
The visit "bettered the Mexican people's understanding of China and the Chinese military," he added.
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