The People's Republic of China (PRC) was established on Oct. 1, 1949 by the Chinese Communist Party.

Since then, China has undergone massive changes, transforming from an agrarian society to an industrial power that currently takes up nearly 19 percent of the global economy.

Its phenomenal rise is of great interest to many.

While some have been cautious in accepting its newfound place in the global system, others were quick to embrace a close relationship with the world's second greatest economy.

Either way, China is a major global power whose growing influence in the world cannot be stopped, nor ignored.

Here's the massive display featuring troops marching in formation, as well as advanced military technology that was showcased to the world on Tuesday, Oct. 1 -- the 70th anniversary of the PRC's founding.

Giant portrait of Xi

A huge portrait of Chinese President Xi Jinping sans wrinkles was propped up prominently amidst the grand parade.

The procession did not leave out the PRC's founding father and late paramount leader Mao Zedong.

Onward the motherland

In his eight-minute speech, Xi declared that "no force can change the position of our great motherland", or stop the Chinese people from moving forward.

In addition, he said he was committed to the "one country, two systems" framework for Hong Kong and Macau, as well as "reunification" with Taiwan.

The placards forming the words "Hong Kong's tomorrow will be better" appeared during the parade -- the first time the "one country, two systems" theme appeared in a National Day parade.

Xi was dressed in a Mao suit, and was accompanied by his predecessors Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao, as well as other party elders, both retired and present.

Jiang and Hu's appearance was said to be rare, and meant to give off an impression of unity in the face of growing domestic and international challenges, according to South China Morning Post.

The pageantry, which involved about 100,000 people, also featured a display that read "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era".

Power in numbers

Tens of thousands of troops also marched in unison during the procession.

Hundreds of thousands of civilians joined in the celebrations too.

Never-before-shown military technology on display for first time

The parade featured multiple tanks too, which rolled past Tiananmen Square.

Military technology that never was publicly paraded, was displayed, including nuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

Of the ICMBs on display, the Dongfeng (East Wind) missile is the most impressive.

According to Inkstone News, it is China's most powerful nuclear deterrent so far.

It is capable of striking the United States mainland, and can evade missile defence systems to deliver warheads.

Supersonic drones were paraded as well.

The HSU-001 underwater drones were on display for the first time.

Previously, senior Colonel Wu Qian, defence spokesman, has said Beijing has no intention, nor the need to flex their military might through military parades.

Here's a time lapse video that captured the entire procession.

Celebrations overseas

The celebrations were not limited to China itself.

In New York, United States, a handful of people took to the streets in jubilation, celebrating China Day.

The New York Senate passed a resolution in June this year that recognised Oct. 1 as China Day.

Chinese state media Xinhua reported on the celebrations as well, citing a Chinese-American as saying friendly U.S.-China relations are critical to world peace and stability.

Protests against the Chinese regime

Meanwhile, there were some who made use of the occasion to demonstrate in front of the United Nations in New York City.

They were holding placards that read "Independence to Tibet" and "Freedom to Hong Kong".

Hong Kong a sharp contrast

Across Shenzhen, protests were raging on in the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong, striking a sharp contrast with the grand celebrations.

Protesters refused to celebrate the "motherland's birthday", saying 'celebrate your mother' instead.

The term is a colloquial expression used when cussing or insulting someone.

The protests on Tuesday, Oct. 1, also marked the first time a protester was shot by a live round.

Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam was spotted at the parade in Beijing along with other dignitaries.

National television had, however, panned to Sergeant Lai Chak-kei ("Bald Lau Sir"), the officer who raised his Remington shotgun at protesters in July, rather than to Lam, when the "one country, two systems" display came along.

Lai was hailed by Beijing and Chinese state media as a hero.

Related articles:

Top image adapted via Getty Images & Xinhua

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