The celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China have begun with a 60-gun salute.

A massive military parade was held on Tiananmen Square in Beijing in front of a crowd of strictly drilled 30,000 Chinese.

Policemen with loudhailers urged people not involved in the event to go home and watch the celebrations on television. Even people living along the route of the parade were not allowed to look out of their windows.

President Hu Jintao held a speech on the Square, where in 1949 Mao Zedong proclaimed the birth of the People's Republic.

Strict security measures have been taken in the capital. Roads are blocked and shops are shut.

The international airport was also closed during the parade.

Hundreds of stray cats and dogs were caught and vermin eradicated in preparation for the event.

The semi-autonomous region of Tibet is closed to foreign visitors.

The Uighurs, a Muslim minority in the west of China, are holding demonstrations in protest against the way they are marginalised. In the Dutch capital Amsterdam, Uighurs will also demonstrate on Dam square.

Photo: 60th annivesary celebrations in China - ANP