Our army is bigger than YOURS! China, Russia and Nato forces put on a huge show of strength as the world's powers flex their military muscles

  • The world's superpowers have flexed their muscles in massive parades to showcase their military prowess
  • China put on huge show of force in a parade to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army
  • It featured 12,000 troops, 570 vehicles and 129 jets - including China's latest J-20 stealth fighter 
  • Elsewhere today, Russian President Vladimir Putin oversaw a pomp-filled display of Russia's naval might
  • In response, Georgia and the United States launched their biggest ever joint military exercises today
  • The exercises also included 400 servicemen from Armenia, Germany, Slovenia, Turkey, Ukraine and the UK
The world's superpowers have flexed their muscles in massive parades to showcase their military strength.
China put on an ostentatious show of military force in a parade to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army, overseen by President Xi Jinping.
Troops, nuclear missile launchers and new stealth aircraft all featured in the parade at the remote Zhurihe training base in China's remote Inner Mongolia region.
Zhurihe Training Base is Asia's largest military training centre and features life-size mockup targets, including Taiwan's presidential palace. 
Xi, wearing military clothing, told troops that the 'world isn’t safe at this moment' adding that 'a strong army is needed now more than ever.'
Among the terrifying display of weapons was China's Chengdu J-20 stealth jet fighter as well as its new DF-31AG intercontinental ballistic missile. The rocket is mounted on an all-terrain vehicle to make it harder to track. 
China’s party-run media said about 12,000 troops, more than 100 types of aircraft and 600 pieces of military hardware were put on display at the sprawling desert camp
China's party-run media said about 12,000 troops, more than 100 types of aircraft and 600 pieces of military hardware were put on display at the sprawling desert camp
A formation soldiers from the PLA's Rocket Force, which controls the nation's arsenal of nuclear and conventional ballistic missiles, shout pledges of loyalty during the parade, which are part of the celebrations of the 90th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army   
A formation soldiers from the PLA's Rocket Force, which controls the nation's arsenal of nuclear and conventional ballistic missiles, shout pledges of loyalty during the parade, which are part of the celebrations of the 90th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army   
Chinese Type 99 tanks parade, followed by elite airborne troops in helicopters above. The march took place at the remote Zhurihe training base in inner Mongolia, which is Asia's largest military training centre. The Chinese military said the parade had been planned for some time, and was not related to the current tensions in North Korea
Chinese Type 99 tanks parade, followed by elite airborne troops in helicopters above. The march took place at the remote Zhurihe training base in inner Mongolia, which is Asia's largest military training centre. The Chinese military said the parade had been planned for some time, and was not related to the current tensions in North Korea
The PLA rolled out some of its latest weapons at the parade, including the DF-31AG ICBM (pictured). The nuclear-capable ballistic missile has a reported range of 6,000 miles. President Trump has sharply criticized China for not doing enough to stem the nuclear ambitions of North Korea    
The PLA rolled out some of its latest weapons at the parade, including the DF-31AG ICBM (pictured). The nuclear-capable ballistic missile has a reported range of 6,000 miles. President Trump has sharply criticized China for not doing enough to stem the nuclear ambitions of North Korea    
Clad in military fatigues President Xi Jinping oversaw the massive show of force. He called on the PLA to transform itself into an elite fighting force and demanded that the troops pledge 'absolute loyalty' to the Communist Party. Xi's corruption purges have seen dozens of officers removed from the PLA 
Clad in military fatigues President Xi Jinping oversaw the massive show of force. He called on the PLA to transform itself into an elite fighting force and demanded that the troops pledge 'absolute loyalty' to the Communist Party. Xi's corruption purges have seen dozens of officers removed from the PLA 

Chinese president inspects troops on military's 90th anniversary




 
 

Clad in military fatigues President Xi inspected the 12,000 troops, repeatedly shouting 'Hello comrades!' and 'Comrades, you are working hard!' into microphones fixed on top of a jeep.
Troops shouted back: 'Serve the people!', 'Follow the Party!', 'Fight to win!' and 'Forge exemplary conduct!'
In a live address Xi, who commands the People's Liberation Army, called on the Chinese military to transform itself into an elite fighting force to bolster the country's rise into a world power. 
He said the Chinese military had the capabilities to 'preserve national sovereignty, security and interests' and demanded the troops' show 'absolute loyalty' to the party
The PLA has undergone an extensive modernisation programme with the strategic aim of competing with the US for regional dominance.
Hundreds of thousands of troops have been cut, and an anti-corruption purge has removed dozens of officers, while also investing heavily in aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines and stealth fighters. 
A trio of Chinese J-20 stealth fighters fly overhead during the parade. The newest generation fighter by the Chinese air force is the country's most advanced aircraft and designed to potentially rival the F-22 and the F-35 of the US Air Force 
A trio of Chinese J-20 stealth fighters fly overhead during the parade. The newest generation fighter by the Chinese air force is the country's most advanced aircraft and designed to potentially rival the F-22 and the F-35 of the US Air Force 
Divisions on display: Up to 12,000 troops, 570 vehicles and 129 jets participated in the parade. State media reported that it was the first time that 40 per cent of the vehicles had been presented, which highlighted China's massive military spending
Divisions on display: Up to 12,000 troops, 570 vehicles and 129 jets participated in the parade. State media reported that it was the first time that 40 per cent of the vehicles had been presented, which highlighted China's massive military spending
Xi said the military must 'Always listen to and follow the party's orders, and march to wherever the party points'
He said that the world was not peaceful, however he did not specify any hot spots
Xi said the military must, 'Always listen to and follow the party's orders, and march to wherever the party points' and said that the world was not peaceful, however he did not specify any hot spots the Chinese military would intervene in
China's military has undergone an extensive modernisation programme, cutting thousands of troops while investing heavily in modern technology, including drones, stealth fighters, nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers 
China's military has undergone an extensive modernisation programme, cutting thousands of troops while investing heavily in modern technology, including drones, stealth fighters, nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers 
Unlike previous parades seen in Beijing, the troops in Inner Mongolia were clad in full combat gear, to further emphasis their readiness. It was also the first time that President Xi had reviewed troops in such a way
Unlike previous parades seen in Beijing, the troops in Inner Mongolia were clad in full combat gear, to further emphasis their readiness. It was also the first time that President Xi had reviewed troops in such a wayMissile launchers, self-propelled artillery and transport helicopters stand on display behind  the formations of troops. Xi said the Chinese military had the capabilities to 'preserve national sovereignty, security and interests' 
Missile launchers, self-propelled artillery and transport helicopters stand on display behind  the formations of troops. Xi said the Chinese military had the capabilities to 'preserve national sovereignty, security and interests' 
It has been decades since China last fought a war and the country insists it has no hostile intent, and simply needs to defend itself. However it's increasingly assertive stance in the South China Sea has rattled its neighbours 
It has been decades since China last fought a war and the country insists it has no hostile intent, and simply needs to defend itself. However it's increasingly assertive stance in the South China Sea has rattled its neighbours 
More than 100 planes flew overhead and almost 600 types of weaponry were on display for the occasion — nearly half of which were making their debut in public, according to the Defence Ministry
More than 100 planes flew overhead and almost 600 types of weaponry were on display for the occasion — nearly half of which were making their debut in public, according to the Defence Ministry
The Chinese flag is raised during a military parade at the Zhurihe training base in China's northern Inner Mongolia region
The Chinese flag is raised during a military parade at the Zhurihe training base in China's northern Inner Mongolia region
Since coming to power in 2012, the president has trumpeted the need to build a stronger combat-ready military, while leading efforts to centralise the Communist Party's control over it
Since coming to power in 2012, the president has trumpeted the need to build a stronger combat-ready military, while leading efforts to centralise the Communist Party's control over it
Troops make preparation for a military parade 90th birthday celebration of the Chinese People's Liberation Army
Troops make preparation for a military parade 90th birthday celebration of the Chinese People's Liberation Army
Elsewhere today, Russian President Vladimir Putin oversaw a pomp-filled display of Russia's naval might as the Kremlin paraded its sea power from the Baltic Sea to the shores of Syria.
Some 50 warships and submarines were on show along the Neva River and in the Gulf of Finland off the country's second city of Saint Petersburg after Putin ordered the navy to hold its first ever parade on such a grand scale.
Putin told servicemen: 'Today much is being done to develop and modernise the navy. The navy is not only dealing with its traditional tasks but also responding with merit to new challenges, making a significant contribution to the fight against terrorism and piracy.'
The showcase event to mark Russia's annual Navy Day is the latest to be beefed up by Putin, with the Kremlin strongman also bolstering the traditional WWII victory parade in Moscow as he looks to flex the country's military muscles.
Russia has ramped up its military manoeuvres as ties with the West have slumped over Moscow's meddling in Ukraine, unnerving NATO and its members in Eastern Europe.
It came as Putin on Sunday said the United States would have to cut 755 diplomatic staff in Russia and warned of a prolonged gridlock in its ties after the US Congress backed new sanctions against the Kremlin.
Putin added bluntly that Russia was able to raise the stakes with America even further, although he hoped this would be unnecessary.
A US State Department official denounced the move as a "regrettable and uncalled for act," adding that Washington was now weighing a potential response.
Russian President Vladimir Putin oversaw a pomp-filled display of Russia's naval might as the Kremlin paraded its sea power from the Baltic Sea to the shores of Syria
Russian President Vladimir Putin oversaw a pomp-filled display of Russia's naval might as the Kremlin paraded its sea power from the Baltic Sea to the shores of Syria
Russia staged its own show of force on Sunday with President Putin joining a naval display
Russia staged its own show of force on Sunday with President Putin joining a naval display
Russian warships sail during the Navy Day parade in Kronshtadt, a seaport town in the suburb of St. Petersburg
Russian warships sail during the Navy Day parade in Kronshtadt, a seaport town in the suburb of St. Petersburg
A boat with Russian President Vladimir Putin onboard sails along the Neva river during the Navy Day parade
A boat with Russian President Vladimir Putin onboard sails along the Neva river during the Navy Day parade
Some 50 warships and submarines were on displayed in the Gulf of Finland and on the Neva river around St Petersburg
Some 50 warships and submarines were on displayed in the Gulf of Finland and on the Neva river around St Petersburg
Russia has ramped up its military maneuvers as ties with the West have slumped over Moscow's meddling in Ukraine, unnerving NATO and its members in Eastern Europe
Russia has ramped up its military maneuvers as ties with the West have slumped over Moscow's meddling in Ukraine, unnerving NATO and its members in Eastern Europe
Russian news wire Interfax reported that six vessels, including the latest generation "Krasnodar" diesel submarine, were taking part in the parade
Russian news wire Interfax reported that six vessels, including the latest generation 'Krasnodar' diesel submarine, were taking part in the parade
In response to Russia's display, Georgia and the United States launched their biggest ever joint military exercises today in the latest show of support for the tiny Caucasus nation that has squared off against Russia.
The start of the drills comes a day ahead of a two-day visit to Tbilisi by US Vice President Mike Pence during which he is expected to reiterate Washington's backing for Georgia's wish to join NATO.
Some 800 Georgian and 1600 US troops are taking part in the Noble Partner 2017 drills - the largest ever in the Caucasus nation since it fought a brief war with Russia in 2008.
Georgia's Defence Minister Levan Izoria called the scale of exercises 'unprecedented', insisting they will 'make clear the support for Georgia by the NATO member states, especially the US.'
The US has sent some of its M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks and M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles across the Black Sea for the drills, which will last until August 12.
The exercises also included 400 servicemen from Armenia, Germany, Slovenia, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.
It comes a day after North Korea tested a ballistic missile that it claims can reach all of the United States, US President Donald Trump criticised China for not reining in Kim Jong Un and his missile program.
'I am very disappointed in China,' Trump wrote in a pair of Twitter posts. '...they do NOTHING for us with North Korea, just talk. We will no longer allow this to continue. China could easily solve this problem!'
North Korea's test Friday of an intercontinental ballistic missile was its second of the long-range weapon in a month. The first on July 4 showed the missile had the range to reach Alaska. 
Friday's test was designed to show the Hwasong-14 missile's maximum range with a 'large-sized heavy nuclear warhead,' a statement from Pyongyang's Korean Central News Agency said.
It said Washington should regard the launch as a 'grave warning.' 
British servicemen gather before the official opening ceremony of the joint multinational military exercise 'Noble Partner 2017' at the military base of Vaziani, outside Tbilisi, in Georgia
British servicemen gather before the official opening ceremony of the joint multinational military exercise 'Noble Partner 2017' at the military base of Vaziani, outside Tbilisi, in Georgia
Georgian servicemen line up during the official opening ceremony of the joint multinational military exercise
Georgian servicemen line up during the official opening ceremony of the joint multinational military exercise
The exercises  included 400 servicemen from Armenia, Germany, Slovenia, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Kingdom
The exercises included 400 servicemen from Armenia, Germany, Slovenia, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Kingdom
US servicemen sit on a M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank before the official opening ceremony
US servicemen sit on a M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank before the official opening ceremony
Some 800 Georgian and 1600 US troops are taking part in the Noble Partner 2017 drills - the largest ever in the Caucasus nation since it fought a brief war with Russia in 2008
Some 800 Georgian and 1600 US troops are taking part in the Noble Partner 2017 drills - the largest ever in the Caucasus nation since it fought a brief war with Russia in 2008
German servicemen line up during the official opening ceremony at the military base of Vaziani, in Georgia
German servicemen line up during the official opening ceremony at the military base of Vaziani, in Georgia