Criticism of parade addressed

Suggestions repudiated that China is flexing its muscles or improperly spending money

People's Daily, the Communist Party of China's official newspaper, has forcefully repudiated suggestions that China is showing off its military muscle and that too much is being spent on the commemorative ceremony and military parade on Thursday in Beijing.

As 12,000 Chinese troops and their counterparts from about 10 countries prepare to march through Tian'anmen Square, and final preparations for showcasing the latest military hardware are made, People's Daily said there are three questions that should be answered.