Upgraded missiles will feature prominently in the upcoming October 1 military parade in Beijing, according to a report from the Xinhua news agency.

The 108 missiles on display will include two types of surface-to-surface conventional missiles, a land-based cruise missile, surface-to-surface intermediate and long-range missiles that can be equipped with either nuclear or conventional warheads, and nuclear-capable intercontinental missiles, said Yu Jixun, deputy Commander of the PLA's Second Artillery Force.

"All five types of missiles are solid-fueled, with smaller bodies... In the past, missiles were mostly liquid-fueled and their bodies were huge," Yu said.

Solid-fuel missiles are easier to transport, providing more strategic flexibility in deployment.

The Second Artillery Force, which controls China's nuclear arsenal, is expanding its mandate to include conventional missiles under the nation's military blueprint.

Squadrons of fighter and bomber planes in formation will fly down Beijing's central axis over the ChangAn Avenue, accompanied by helicopters.

People's Daily Online – Agencies