Beijing: A massive military parade through China's desert overseen by its military chief and president, Xi Jinping, was lauded as a "first" in blanket coverage across Chinese state media.

Official social media pumped out images of 12,000 military service personnel in combat fatigues marching to a backdrop of tanks, combat helicopters, stealth fighter jets and nuclear missiles.

Mr Xi said China's army had the capability to "defeat all invading enemies", and safeguard national sovereignty, security and "development interests".

The first military parade staged to celebrate Army Day, on August 1, was planned months ago for the 90th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army.