China will hold one of its biggest ever military parades tomorrow as part of its celebrations for 70 years of Communist Party rule, and Beijing is promising to show off a host of new home‑grown weaponry.

The military parade ‑ part of a huge day of celebrations ‑ will take place in Tiananmen Square in front of officials, selected members of the public, and 188 military attaches from 97 countries.

Despite the publicity and excitement, few people will get to watch the parade in person.

A defence ministry spokesman recently said China had no intention or need to flex its muscles with this display, but that the focus was on demonstrating a peace‑loving and responsible China.

The Chinese Ministry of National Defence has reported that 15,000 military personnel will be taking part, including 59 different elements of the military, while 580 pieces of military equipment will roll through the streets and 160 aircraft will fly overhead.