Update | 11:39 am 2 October I apologize that I cannot figure out how to turn off the autoplay. Am posting the code in the comments — suggestions appreciated.

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Well, the PRC October 1 National Day Parade came and went with the requisite silly hats and, of course, missiles.

Here is a nice video of the DF-31A TELs rolling down Chang’an Avenue.

(The caption reads “东31甲核导弹方队” which I make out to be “A Block of DF-31A Nuclear Missiles” — CCTV is translating 方队 as square array which is sort of turgid.)

It is very interesting — the announcer immediately goes into the standard language about no-first use when the strategic missiles role out. A little boring, but the right thing to say.

In addition to the video from CCTV, Xinhua has a gallery of 26 images, including a couple of money-shots of a DF-31A TEL.

The parade basically conformed to the rehearsal — five missiles were the DF-11, DF-15, DH-10, DF-21C and the DF-31A. Here is the description from Xinhua:

Among the most eye-catching weapons paraded were five types of missiles of the Second Artillery Force (SAF), China’s core strategic deterrent, including the “trump card” nuclear-capable intercontinental missiles.

The gigantic weapons in camouflage colors rolled by on long-bed trucks, triggering cheers from spectators.

The SAF’s land-based cruise missiles also made their debut at the once-in-a-decade military parade. The conventional cruise missile is able to perform long-range low altitude precision strikes. Also on rare public display were the SAF’s three types of conventional missiles.

During the cold war, China’s survival was threatened by nuclear bombs from the world’s super powers.

To protect the country from nuclear threats, break nuclear monopoly and maintain national security, China began to develop strategic nuclear and missile weapons in the 1950s. The SAF was established in 1966.

Over the past 40 years, the SAF has grown into a lean and effective strategic force with both nuclear and conventional missiles, capable of both land-based strategic nuclear counterattacks and precision strikes with conventional missiles.

You are probably thinking, “That’s actually written in clear, concise English.” China is changing. If, however, like me, you remain nostalgic for the days of Chinglish, Xinhua did include the story China National Day parade crescendoed when nuclear weapon appears. (more)