China's military might on display during its 70th anniversary parade

BEIJING - The pomp, drama and advanced military technology on show at the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China sent a dramatic, carefully-rehearsed message to the world on Tuesday that China has emerged as a global military power trying to rival the United States.

The dazzling parade played an important domestic role as well, drumming up fervent nationalism and loyalty to the Communist Party of China and President Xi Jinping, at a time when the Party feels threatened, with the economy - the main source of its domestic legitimacy - slowing.

It also faces a bruising trade war with the United States, as other Western powers turn against the Chinese government's policies, particularly