They roll down Beijing streets, covered from prying eyes by huge tarpaulins, but the silhouettes of missiles, tanks and undersea vehicles are unmistakable as China prepares for its most revealing military parade in six years.

China said that it will show off new weapons at a military parade next month, potentially giving rivals like the US a first chance to see what hardware the Asian nation is ready to field.

China will stage a massive military parade next month in Beijing to commemorate 80 years since the end of World War Two following Japan's surrender, mobilising tens of thousands of people and showcasing weapons never seen before.