Vehicles, aircraft, troops show readiness

The People's Liberation Army's parade on Sunday reflected the Chinese military's latest efforts to strengthen its combat readiness and joint operation capability.

The PLA also used the occasion to publicize its achievements in armament modernization as nearly half of the weapons and equipment used in the event were presented for the first time in a parade, according to organizers.

The military sent 12,000 troops, about 600 land and naval weapons, and nearly 130 aircraft to participate in the parade, the first in the PLA's history to celebrate its birthday, which falls on Tuesday. The event was organized by the PLA Central Theater Command on orders of the Central Military Commission.