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Updated Oct 1, 2019 - World

In photos: A tale of 2 cities on 70th anniversary of Communist China

Rebecca Falconer
Chinese soldiers sit atop tanks as they drive in a parade to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949

The Tiananmen Square parade in Beijing marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Photo: Kevin Frayer/Getty Images

China showed off a new hypersonic ballistic nuclear missile, the DF-17, as it displayed its military might during a grand parade in Beijing marking the 70th anniversary of Communist Party rule, AP reports. But clashes between police and protesters in Hong Kong cast a shadow over celebrations.

The big picture: Hong Kong authorities had tried to thwart protesters as Chinese President Xi Jinping oversaw the Beijing parade that showcased some 15,000 soldiers and 100,000 performers, per the New York Times. Hong Kong went into unprecedented lockdown, Reuters notes. But tens of thousands of protesters defied a ban on marches and attended rallies throughout the city, per Bloomberg.

Members of the media (in yellow vests) look on as Hong Kong police fire water cannon from the central government complex
Hong Kong police fire a water cannon and blue dye from the central government complex. Photo: Mohd Rasfan/AFP/Getty Images
Chinese female soldiers march in in formation during a parade to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China
Beijing marks 70 years since Mao Zedong announced the formation of the People's Republic of China. Photo: Kevin Frayer/Getty Images
Protesters burn a Chinese national flag during a march through the streets of Hong Kong on October 1
Protesters burn a Chinese national flag during a march through the streets of Hong Kong. Photo: Mohd Rasfan/AFP/Getty Images
Performers walk and dance during the parade for the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the People's Republic of China on October 01
Performers at the parade in Tiananmen Square. Photo: Andrea Verdelli/Getty Images
People attend a march in Tsuen Wan district in Hong Kong
A march in the Tsuen Wan district of Hong Kong, as demonstrators mark China's anniversary with the "Day of Grief" protests. Photo: Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images
The Liaoning Province float featuring a giant winged robot passes through Tiananmen Square during a military parade in Beijing on October 1
The Liaoning Province float featuring a giant winged robot passes through Tiananmen Square. Photo: Greg Baker/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters carry black balloons as they take part in a march in the Causeway Bay shopping district in Hong Kong on October 1
Protesters carry black balloons as they take part in a march in the Causeway Bay shopping district in Hong Kong. Photo: Nicolas Asfouri/AFP/Getty Images
Military vehicles carrying DF-5B intercontinental ballistic missiles participate in a military parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing on October 1
Military vehicles carrying DF-5B intercontinental ballistic missiles in Beijing's parade. Photo: Greg Baker/AFP/Getty Images
A closure notice by officials sits on the gates of the MTR underground rail system in the Admiralty area in Hong Kong on October 1
Numerous Hong Kong stations are closed across the city, including this MTR underground rail system in the Admiralty area. Photo: Mohd Rasfan/AFP/Getty Images
Military helicopters fly over Tiananmen Square during a military parade in Beijing on October 1
Military helicopters fly over Tiananmen Square. Photo: Greg Baker/AFP/Getty Images
A group of people call on Britain to put pressure on Beijing during a protest outside the British consulate in Hong Kong on October 1
A group of people outside the British Consulate in Hong Kong. Photo: Mohd Rasfan/AFP/Getty Images
An early morning military parade rehearsal in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, ahead of events marking the anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
An early morning military parade rehearsal in Tiananmen Square. Photo: Andrea Verdelli/Getty Images
Protesters carry a mock coffin early morning in the Wanchai district in Hong Kong
Hong Kong protesters carry a mock coffin in the Wanchai district. Photo: Nicolas Asfouri/AFP/Getty Images
Chinese military marchto celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China at Tiananmen Square on October 1, 2019 in Beijing, China.
The Chinese military forces gather in Tiananmen Square. Photo: Kevin Frayer/Getty Images
Hong Kong police check the IDs of young people along a street early morning in Hong Kong
Hong Kong police check the IDs of young people in the street ahead of anniversary events. Photo: Nicolas Asfouri/AFP/Getty Images
The Guard of Honour of the People's Liberation Army rehearse the parade in Tiananmen Square early morning on October 01, 2019 in Beijing, China.
The Guard of Honour of the People's Liberation Army rehearse. Photo: Andrea Verdelli/Getty Images

Go deeper: China's split-screen: Hong Kong protests vs. Communist celebration

Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout and more photos.

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