China projects military might in Parade to Mark the 70th Anniversary of World War 2

The massive military parade being held in Beijing , the first since Chinese President Xi Jinping came to power in 2012 is seen as a show of military might and a way to project power by the President. Hundreds of factories have been shut to ensure that when the 12,000 troops, 200 fighter jets and 500 pieces of military hardware make their way through the ancient heart of the Chinese capital they will do so under clear, smog-free skies. Flights in and out of Beijing have been canceled for the parade's duration and, just to ensure that the city's air space is safe, monkeys, falcons and dogs have been deployed to scare away birds. Chinese are enjoying a three-day public holiday as part of the celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. Broadcasters are prohibited from airing any entertainment programs, half of Beijing's five million registered cars are banned from streets and many of the city's parks and tourist attractions are shuttered. Those living within the lockdown area will be virtual prisoners: They aren't allowed to leave their homes, invite guests, use balconies or even open windows. Commonplace under Chairman Mao Zedong, China has held fewer showpiece parades in recent decades. The last was for the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in 2009 under the watch of former President Hu Jintao. For Xi, the stakes are high. The victory parade allows him to project his power, both domestically, and in a region where many countries are wary of China's ambitions, says Tate Nurkin, a defense and aerospace analyst at research firm IHS.