Xi's profound changes to the PLA on display

It was the first time a large-scale parade had been staged as part of commemorations to mark the founding of the People's Liberation Army, which celebrates its 90th birthday on Tuesday.

It was the first time a parade of such scale and importance has been held in the field.

It was the first time President and PLA commander-in-chief Xi Jinping was seen in PLA fatigues on an occasion like this.