Thousands of balloons are released during the military parade marking the 70th anniversary of the end of the second world war. Photo: Reuters

Military helicopters form the number "70" as part of the parade commemorations. Photo: Reuters

Chinese President Xi Jinping stands in a car on his way to review the army as military band members play next to him. Photo: Reuters

Veterans salute as they ride through Tienanmen Square during the military parade. Photo: EPA

More veterans salute as they ride through Tienanmen Square. Photo: EPA

A parade guest shows off his medals on his coat during the parade. Photo: Reuters

A military vehicle carries a Pterodactyl I unmanned aerial vehicle past the Tienanmen Gate. Photo: AP

Military vehicles carrying DF-31A long-range missiles drive past the Tienanmen Gate. Photo: Reuters

Military vehicles carrying DF-15B short-range ballistic missiles. Photo: Reuters

Military aircraft perform stunts during the military parade. Photo: Reuters

Chinese President Xi Jinping (third left) talks to former President Jiang Zemin (fourth left) next to South Korea's President Park Geun-hye (left), Russia's President Vladimir Putin (second left), Chinese former President Hu Jintao (fifth left), and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (sixth left) on the Tienanmen Gate. Photo: Reuters

Type 99A battle tanks participate in the military parade. Photo: AFP

Dong Feng (East Wind) DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missile launchers move through Tienanmen Square. Photo: EPA

Chinese soldiers stand in their Type 99A battle tanks while participating in a military parade at Tienanmen Square. Photo: AFP

Troops line the streets of Beijing during the 30 minute parade. Photo: Xinhua

Chinese President Xi Jinping stands in a car on his way to inspect the army, at the beginning of the military parade. Photo: Reuters

A man stands in front of a television set broadcasting Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech at his store. Photo: Xinhua

Chinese female military personnel march during the parade. Photo: AP

A national flag is held by a spectator at the scene of the commemoration activities. Photo: Xinhua

Members of a joint military band prepare for the commemoration activities to mark the 70th anniversary. Photo: Xinhua

Military vehicles carrying DF-26 ballistic missiles participate in a military parade at Tiananmen Square. Photo: AFP