Soldiers march during a parade celebrating the 10th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Oct 1, 1959. [Photo/chinamil.com.cn]

China's tradition of military parades

China held military parades to celebrate National Day from 1949 to 1959. In Sept 1960, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council decided to reform the system out of frugality and implement a new rule of "hosting small celebrations every five years and grand ones every 10 years, with the military parades staging during grand celebrations".

The parade was delayed for 24 years due to the "cultural revolution" (1966-76) and other reasons. In 1984, the year marking the 35th anniversary of National Day, the grand parade was staged again at the suggestion of former leader Deng Xiaoping.

Under the rule, grand parades were held in 1999 and 2009 to celebrate the 50th and 60th anniversaries of National Day.