The military parade is an important way to showcase the achievements of national armed forces and to foster national confidence and pride. During the parade, the reviewing officer passes through the ranks of the participating troops, and the vehicle used by the reviewing officer is always one of the parade's highlights. Throughout China's military parades, the reviewing vehicles have ranged from seized American cars to Soviet-made models; from domestically produced "Hongqi" to "Beijing" cars. This evolution of the reviewing vehicle reflects the development of China's automotive industry from nothing to strength.
War Trophy from America: Buick Roadmaster Riviera
On October 1, 1949, during the founding ceremony of the People's Republic of China, this parade was the first military event since the establishment of the New China. Then-Commander-in-Chief of the People's Liberation Army, Zhu De, reviewed the troops in a seized Buick Roadmaster Riviera.
Luxury Soviet-built Flagship: ZiS-115
On October 1, 1954, during the 5th anniversary of the National Day parade, a Soviet-made car was used. Then-Minister of Defense Peng Dehuai, accompanied by the parade commander and Deputy Commander of the North China Military Region, Yang Chengwu, reviewed the troops in a ZiS-115 convertible.
The Star of the Republic: Hongqi CA72
In 1959, marking the tenth anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the Hongqi CA72 was handcrafted based on the Cadillac model and was responsible for the parade and foreign guest receptions during the anniversary. This car was featured in the "World Automotive Yearbook" in 1960 and showcased at the Leipzig Trade Fair. In 1964, it was designated as a state ceremonial vehicle, serving during diplomatic missions, including the visit of then-U.S. PresidentRichard Milhous Nixon to China. Then-Vice Premier and Minister of Defense Lin Biao reviewed the troops in the Hongqi CA72.
Hongqi CA770TJ/CA772TJ
On October 1, 1984, Deng Xiaoping, then Chairman of the Central Military Commission, used the Hongqi CA770TJ to complete the first military parade after China's reform and opening up. This vehicle measured 5.99 meters in length, 1.99 meters in width, and weighed 3 tons. A crucial technical requirement for this open-top parade vehicle was the installation of a lift motor beneath the footboard. In case of emergencies, pressing a button on the footboard would activate the lifting system automatically.
During the grand parade for the 50th anniversary of the National Day in 1999, Jiang Zemin, then Chairman of the Central Military Commission, reviewed the troops in the Hongqi CA772TJ, a derivative model of the CA770TJ with enhanced bulletproof capabilities.
Hongqi CA7600J
On October 1, 2009, during the 60th anniversary parade, Hu Jintao, then Chairman of the Central Military Commission, reviewed the troops in the Hongqi CA7600J. This model featured a fully bulletproof structure, incorporating high-strength steel, aerospace-grade bulletproof glass, fuel tank explosion-proof technology, tank lightweight bulletproof ceramic technology, and advanced welding techniques developed in the domestic shipbuilding industry.
On September 3, 2015, during the "September 3 Parade" commemorating the 70th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, President Xi Jinping also used the Hongqi CA7600J.
Hongqi T196
On October 1, 2019, during the 70th anniversary parade of the founding of New China, the reviewing vehicle was the Hongqi T196, an extended version of the Hongqi L5, belonging to the same design series as the Hongqi CA7600J used in 2009 and 2015.
Off-Road Tough Guy: Beijing (BJ) 80
On July 30, 2017, the parade commemorating the 90th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army was officially held at the Zhurihe training base in Inner Mongolia. The Beijing (BJ) 80 off-road vehicle served as the main reviewing vehicle, with Chairman Xi Jinping using it to review the troops.
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