The Chinese national flag in a parade in Beijing, on the occasion of the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the founding of China, on Thursday. China celebrated its rise to a world power over 60 years, staging its biggest-ever parade of military hardware. Photos: AP
China's President Hu Jintao stands on a limousine to inspect the military parade near Tiananmen Gate at the celebrations.
A float depicting China's space achievements participates in the parade in Beijing.
Participants march during a grand parade in Beijing to mark the 60th anniversary of China.
China's missiles are paraded in front of Beijing's Tiananmen Gate during the military parade.
Chinese soldiers display the country's military might at Tiananmen Square.
A dragonboat theme float in the parade in Beijing.
The Panchen Lama, center, is seen on Tiananmen Gate during the parade.
Athletes take part in the parade organised during the celebrations, in this photo distributed by the Xinhua agency.
Participants under a portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong during the military parade.
Female soldiers march past Tiananmen Square in Beijing on Thursday.
Military planes fly in formation towards Tiananmen Square.
A convoy of missile launchers drives down a street towards Tiananmen Square early on Thursday.
Women members of the militia, a civilian reserve force under China's military, march past Tiananmen Square.