Featuring the participation of all major Chinese military units, the 15 foot formations in the military parade are a major highlight of the celebrations Tuesday in Beijing marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
A total of 15 foot formations marched pass Tian'anmen Square, consisting of guards of honor, service women, civilian personnel, reserve forces, militia and UN peacekeepers, with many troops making their military parade debut.
Here are the key highlights from the parade:
CGTN Graphics
Guard of honor
The guard of honor of the People's Liberation of Army (PLA) was the first formation to pass through Tian'anmen Square.
Formation of military officers
Military officers marched in formation through Tian'anmen Square, marking a first public appearance at a National Day military parade.
Formation of PLA Army
Covering more than 10 major arms of the PLA Army (PLAA), this formation was comprised of front-line combat forces.
The PLAA plays an irreplaceable role in maintaining China's national sovereignty, security and development interests.
Formation of PLA Navy
With nearly half of its troops established after the year 2000, the formation of the PLA Navy is the youngest of troops at this year's parade.
The PLA Navy has a very important standing in the overall configuration of China's national security and development.
Formation of PLA Air Force
With bright blue uniforms, the soldiers marched in perfect unison through Tian'anmen Square.
The soldiers in the formation were selected from the paratroop division where the deceased Chinese wartime hero Huang Jiguang (1930-1952) once served.
The PLA Air Force plays a crucial role in China's overall national security and military strategy.
Formation of PLA Rocket Force
All the soldiers in this formation came from front-line combat units, with an average age of 23 years. The PLA Rocket Force plays a critical role in maintaining China's sovereignty and security.
Formation of PLA Strategic Support Force
The PLA Strategic Support Force is a new type of combat force for safeguarding national security and is an important driver for the growth of new combat capabilities.
Formation of PLA Joint Logistic Support Force
Over 300 drivers, cooks, medics and others who have long provided behind-the-scenes support had the chance to take part in the parade. As the main force for joint logistics as well as strategic and campaign level support, PLA Joint Logistic Support Force is an important component of the modern military force.
Formation of People's Armed Police
Wearing olive green uniforms, the members of this formation represent hundreds of thousands of armed police officers and soldiers who have stuck to their posts all year round.
The People's Armed Police shoulders important responsibilities in safeguarding national security, social stability and public wellbeing.
Formation of female soldiers
With 352 female soldiers from major services and arms of the People's Liberation Army and People's Armed Police, the formation marched in the parade, led by two female generals for the very first time in China's military parade history.
Representatives from research faculties
Seventy-one percent of this formation was made up of doctoral and master students, giving the unit the highest educational background. It consisted of representatives from military-related institutions and universities.
Formation of civilian staff
Wearing eye-catching peacock blue uniforms, the civilian staff in the armed forces for the first time participated in the military parade.
The formation of civilian personnel included members from the joint logistic support force, embodying the vital role played by civilian personnel in military development during the reform process.
Formation of reserve forces
Reserve forces are an integral part of China's armed forces.
Formation of militia
With an average age of 26 years, the members of this formation came from government organs, schools, hospitals and enterprises in Beijing.
Formation of UN peacekeeping troops
Wearing blue berets and camouflage, Chinese United Nations peacekeepers, many of whom have been to Lebanon, Mali and other countries to carry out international peacekeeping operations, marched through Tian'anmen Square.
The military parade, involving around 15,000 military personnel, was the largest to be held in recent years.
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