China celebrates 60th anniversary of communist rule

China celebrated its rise to a world power over 60 years of Communist Party rule today, with its biggest-ever parade of military hardware and more than 100,000 marching masses.

Police blocked off a wide area around central Beijing’s Tiananmen Square for the 60th anniversary of the People’s Republic. People were told to stay away and watch the events on television, though that did not dampen a festive air as residents gathered in homes and alleys.