国内英语资讯:China Focus: Xi reviews parade in field for first time_时事

国内英语资讯:China Focus: Xi reviews parade in field for first time

The parade did not feature goose-stepping in a march-past. Instead, the officers and soldiers rode in military vehicles that rumbled past the rostrum.

The gleaming armament showed how far the PLA has come since it was a small force with poor weaponry at the Nanchang Uprising in 1927.

Today, the PLA commands about 2 million service personnel, one of the world's largest military forces.

Xi said history had proved that the PLA was a heroic force that had followed the Party's command, served the country with loyalty, and fought for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

On Sunday, cutting-edge weapons like J-20 stealth aircraft, 8X8 all-terrain vehicles, radar-and-communication jamming drones and solid-fuel intercontinental missiles were among about 600 pieces of military hardware on show.

About half had never been paraded. New faces included female marines and an electronic warfare force under the new strategic support force.

The public watched the procession from state media's live broadcast. The parade trended on social media.

"I am so moved. Go PLA. Go China," said a netizen. "It is you who guarantee our happy life. Salute to you, PLA soldiers."

XI'S REFORM

The parade at Zhurihe, which means "heart" in Mongolian, captured the essence of fundamental changes taking place in China's armed forces with sweeping reform measures unleashed in recent years.