China marked its 70th year of Communist rule with a massive display of military prowess in Beijing on Tuesday.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, dressed in a slate grey "Mao" suit, said: "No force can ever shake the status of China, or stop the Chinese people and nation from marching forward."
He was accompanied by his predecessors Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin.
Xi said the country's military should resolutely safeguard China's sovereignty, security, and development interests, and firmly uphold world peace.
The Chinese leader then descended inspected row upon row of military hardware and immaculately presented troops.

Afghanistan-Pakistan peace talks collapse, ceasefire continues, Taliban says
UPS, FedEx ground MD-11 fleets after deadly Louisville crash
US warns it could force 20% flight cuts if shutdown continues
Philippines warns of deadly storm surges as typhoon Fung-wong intensifies
Technical glitch with air traffic system at Delhi airport resolved