China marks Martyrs' Day at Tian'anmen Square

A memorial ceremony to mark Martyrs' Day is held at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, on Sept 30, 2015.[Photo by Feng Yongbin/Asianewsphoto]

The baskets were presented in the names of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, China's top legislature, the State Council, the top political advisory body, the Central Military Commission, democratic parties and non-party individuals, mass organizations, veterans, senior people and the families of martyrs, as well as China's Young Pioneers organization.

President Xi tidied red ribbons on one of the baskets and led a group of senior officials on a walk of tribute around the monument.

School children and other participants followed them and laid their bouquets of chrysanthemums at the foot of the monument.

China's top legislature approved Sept. 30 as Martyrs' Day last year to commemorate those who lost their lives fighting for national independence and prosperity.

Xi returned to Beijing Tuesday after his state visit to the United States and attending a series of UN summits.

Wednesday's event was the second time this month for China to hold grand commemoration ceremonies at Tian'anmen Square.

On Sept. 3, the country commemorated the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II and the victory in the war of resistance against Japanese aggression with a full-dress military parade at the square.

Xi said during his Victory Day speech that China will remain committed to peaceful development.

"No matter how much stronger it may become, China will never seek hegemony or expansion. It will never inflict its past suffering on any other nation," Xi said. He also announced a cut of 300,000 troops from the country's military.

Soldiers march during a memorial ceremony to mark Martyrs' Day at Tian'anmen Square in Beijng, Sept 30, 2015.[Photo by Feng Yongbing/Asianewsphoto]