New Delhi: China launched a major military parade through Beijing on Thursday to commemorate Japan's World War II defeat while underlining President Xi Jinping's determination to make his country Asia's pre-eminent power. The spectacle involved more than 12,000 troops, 500 pieces of military hardware and 200 aircraft of various types, representing what military officials say is the Chinese military's most cutting-edge technology.
Xi also pledged to cut 300,000 troops from the People's Liberation Army, the world's largest army which currently has 2.3 million troops.
1. Chinese soldiers march during a parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of Japan's surrender during World War II in front of Tiananmen Gate in Beijing. The spectacle involved more than 12,000 troops, 500 pieces of military hardware and 200 aircraft of various types, representing what military officials say is the Chinese military's most cutting-edge technology.
2. Chinese female military personnel march during a parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of Japan's surrender during World War II held in front of Tiananmen Gate, in Beijing.
3. Chinese military officials salute during a parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of Japan's surrender during World War II held in front of Tiananmen Gate, in Beijing.
4. Chinese Z-8 military transport helicopters fly in formation during a parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of Japan's surrender during World War II in Beijing.
5. Chinese President Xi Jinping stands in a car and waves during a troop review during a parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of Japan's surrender during World War II held in front of Tiananmen Gate in Beijing.
6. ZLT05 amphibious assault tanks take part in a parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of Japan's surrender during World War II in front of Tiananmen Gate in Beijing.
7. HHQ shipborne air defense missiles are carried by military vehicles take part in a parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of Japan's surrender during World War II held in front of Tiananmen Gate in Beijing.
8. Chinese 155mm self-propelled howitzers take part in a parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of Japan's surrender during World War II held in front of Tiananmen Gate in Beijing.
9. PGZ-07 twin 35mm self-propelled anti-aircraft guns take part in a parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of Japan's surrender during World War II held in front of Tiananmen Gate in Beijing.
10. Chinese Z-19 military helicopters fly in formation during a parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of Japan's surrender during World War II in Beijing.
