A giant portrait of former Chinese Communist Party leader Mao Zedong passes by Tiananmen Square during the National Day parade in Beijing on October 1, 2019, to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. (Photo by Greg BAKER / AFP) — AFP or licensors

In pictures: China celebrates 70th National Day with military jets and colourful performances

China is celebrating 70 years of Communist Party rule.
Published October 1, 2019

China marked its 70th year of Communist Party rule on Tuesday with an elaborate parade and show of military might.

The parade was attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping and government officials, while an overwhelming number of citizens turned up to watch the celebrations from a security parameter. The capital was locked down for the parade and police told residents, whose houses look onto the route not to look out of their windows.

Participants march during the the celebration to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the founding of Communist China in Beijing on Tuesday, October 1, 2019. — AP
Participants march during the the celebration to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the founding of Communist China in Beijing on Tuesday, October 1, 2019. — AP

In this image made from video, Chinese leader Xi Jinping rides an open-top limousine during a parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of Communist China, in Beijing. — AP
In this image made from video, Chinese leader Xi Jinping rides an open-top limousine during a parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of Communist China, in Beijing. — AP

Chinese troops march during a military parade in Tiananmen Square in Beijing. — AFP
Chinese troops march during a military parade in Tiananmen Square in Beijing. — AFP

Chinese People's Liberation Army personnel participate in a military parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing. — AFP
Chinese People's Liberation Army personnel participate in a military parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing. — AFP

A float featuring the Communist Party of China travels past Tiananmen Square in Beijing during the parade. — Reuters
A float featuring the Communist Party of China travels past Tiananmen Square in Beijing during the parade. — Reuters

Chinese President Xi Jinping along with other government officials watch a military parade. — AFP
Chinese President Xi Jinping along with other government officials watch a military parade. — AFP

A citizen watches a military parade along the security perimeter established around the official ceremony in Tiananmen Square in Beijing. — AFP
A citizen watches a military parade along the security perimeter established around the official ceremony in Tiananmen Square in Beijing. — AFP

People take part in the National Day parade in Tiananmen Square in Beijing. — AFP
People take part in the National Day parade in Tiananmen Square in Beijing. — AFP

People take part in the National Day parade in Tiananmen Square in Beijing. — AFP
People take part in the National Day parade in Tiananmen Square in Beijing. — AFP

A formation of military airplanes, one KJ-2000 airborne early warning and control aircraft and eight J-10 multirole fighter jets, fly over Beijing during a military parade at Tiananmen Square. — AFP
A formation of military airplanes, one KJ-2000 airborne early warning and control aircraft and eight J-10 multirole fighter jets, fly over Beijing during a military parade at Tiananmen Square. — AFP

A child watches a military parade along the security perimeter established around the official ceremony in Tiananmen Square in Beijing. — AFP
A child watches a military parade along the security perimeter established around the official ceremony in Tiananmen Square in Beijing. — AFP

Residents use smartphone to film a colourful float carrying the words "Long live motherland" during the parade. — AP
Residents use smartphone to film a colourful float carrying the words "Long live motherland" during the parade. — AP

Military helicopters fly over the Central Business District in the formation of the number '70' during the military parade. — Reuters
Military helicopters fly over the Central Business District in the formation of the number '70' during the military parade. — Reuters

Soldiers of People's Liberation Army (PLA) stand on military vehicles travelling past Tiananmen Square during the military parade. — Reuters
Soldiers of People's Liberation Army (PLA) stand on military vehicles travelling past Tiananmen Square during the military parade. — Reuters

Performers with bicycles take part in the parade marking the 70th founding anniversary of People's Republic of China, on its National Day in Beijing. — Reuters
Performers with bicycles take part in the parade marking the 70th founding anniversary of People's Republic of China, on its National Day in Beijing. — Reuters

Header image: A giant portrait of former Chinese Communist Party leader Mao Zedong passes by Tiananmen Square during the National Day parade in Beijing. — AFP