A grand celebration was staged in Beijing Thursday to mark the 60th anniversary of the PRC. Throughout the day, the celebration highlighted the fact that, in six decades, New China had evolved from a war-torn, economically devastated "failed state" into the world's third-largest economy.

Just before the evening gala started, China Daily reporters interviewed some of the foreign diplomats who witnessed the parade for their opinions.

Michael Schaefer, German Ambassador to China:

"It was an impressive event Thursday morning. It was not only a military parade; it very much represents the civilian development of China. I am also impressed by the logistics and the organization of the parade.

"What interested me most is the meaning behind the floats, such as 'going green' and the various development stages of China."

Georgi Peychinov, Bulgarian Ambassador to China:

"I was here for the National Day parade in Beijing in 1984, when the State leader was Deng Xiaoping. The year 1984 is the beginning of the reform of China, I was proud that it was the right path for China. I am here 25 years later and see the success of the reform."

Victoria Sekitoleko, representative of the United Nations Food and Cultural Organization in China:

"The grand parade this morning was simply fantastic. I love the children the most. And the great thing is, I am really glad to be a part of it."

James Michael Ah Koy, Fiji's Ambassador to China:

"I call China my fatherland, as my father is Chinese. (Koy's Chinese name is He Zhimei). China is a fascinating place, and the transformation of China is very impressive. I am proud to be half Chinese. The precision of this morning's military parade is what impressed me the most. I don't think any other country could achieve what China has done in terms of its military parade."

Abdul Karim Koroma, Ambassador from Sierra Leone to China:

"I was here for the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics last year and that was spectacular, but I think the parade this morning is greater than the opening ceremony. It has both the military and civilian aspects, and it shows exactly what China has achieved."