Chinese President Xi Jinping inspects the Hong Kong garrison of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) at their Shek Kong base in Hong Kong, on Friday, June 30, 2017.
Chinese President Xi Jinping inspects the Hong Kong garrison of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) at their Shek Kong base in Hong Kong, on Friday, June 30, 2017.
Kin Cheung/AP
The parade was the largest since Hong Kong's handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997.
The parade was the largest since Hong Kong's handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997.
James Griffiths/CNN
A total of 20 squadrons paraded in front of Xi, including land, sea, and air forces.
A total of 20 squadrons paraded in front of Xi, including land, sea, and air forces.
James Griffiths/CNN
The PLA normally keeps a low profile in Hong Kong, where its presence is still a sensitive subject.
The PLA normally keeps a low profile in Hong Kong, where its presence is still a sensitive subject.
James Griffiths/CNN
Around 6,000 troops are based in the city, with their headquarters in Admiralty, next to the Hong Kong government offices.
Around 6,000 troops are based in the city, with their headquarters in Admiralty, next to the Hong Kong government offices.
James Griffiths/CNN
According to a recent article in a highly respected Communist Party journal, the Hong Kong garrison has transformed from a "symbolic presence to a show of force."
According to a recent article in a highly respected Communist Party journal, the Hong Kong garrison has transformed from a "symbolic presence to a show of force."
James Griffiths/CNN
A small crowd of onlookers were specially invited to the parade alongside Xi.
A small crowd of onlookers were specially invited to the parade alongside Xi.
James Griffiths/CNN
Security at the event was tight, with reporters told not to bring pens, phone batteries, or umbrellas.
Security at the event was tight, with reporters told not to bring pens, phone batteries, or umbrellas.
James Griffiths/CNN
On July 1, 2017, Hong Kong marks 20 years of Chinese rule at a ceremony overseen by Xi.
On July 1, 2017, Hong Kong marks 20 years of Chinese rule at a ceremony overseen by Xi.
James Griffiths/CNN