China's military on parade

China has given a rare insight into its huge military machine, showing more than 100 foreign journalists two military bases south east of the capital, Beijing.

The People's Liberation Army, the world's largest standing army, is being forced to modernise and make its troops more professional.

The event was carefully choreographed

There was a mixture of showmanship and formality...

... and even a glimpse of daily camp life

Equipment and training methods were on display

It was the biggest such visit in years