China celebrates 80th year of PLA

BEIJING, July 18 (UPI) -- China is marking the 80th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army, the world's biggest military force, with the exhibition, "Our Troops Toward the Sun."

The presentation, which opened Monday at the China People's Revolution Military Museum in Beijing, offers visitors a closer look at a tank, a warship's gun and a model of a hydrogen bomb, as well as a glimpse at the new PLA uniforms, The Independent reported Wednesday.

There is some controversy brewing over the uniforms, since their green hats do not feature red bands.

Some critics believe the scarlet bands should remain as a symbol of the Communist Party.

Since its creation, the PLA has transformed from a guerrilla group into a powerful military machine, The Independent noted.

The PLA has 2.3 million soldiers; 800,000 reservists and a People's Armed Police of 1.5 million.

Although a Pentagon report this year said the growth of the Chinese military could escalate tension in Asia, the exhibition maintained China's armed forces "make a valuable contribution to world peace."