China is hosting lavish events to mark 70 years since the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC).
On 1 October 1949, Mao Zedong – or Chairman Mao – announced the formation of the PRC, after communist forces won a bloody civil war.
Modern China has since developed at an extraordinary pace, but it has also one of the world's most restrictive states.
But the celebrations were overshadowed as thousands took to Hong Kong streets, with some violent clashes breaking out.
Police fired tear gas and made arrests as people blocked roads, as they protested against what they say is increasing control by Beijing over the territory's society and politics.
President Xi Jinping said "no force" could shake China as he oversaw a huge military parade in Tiananmen Square.
"No force can ever stop the Chinese people and nation from marching forward," said the Chinese leader in a brief opening address.According to the Ministry of National Defence, around 15,000 military personnel, 580 pieces of military equipment and 160 aircraft made an appearance at the parade.The nation's newest military technology was on full display – military tanks, helicopters and even the DF-41 -China's new intercontinental ballistic missile – was spotted./BBC news