Vietnam has marked the 80th anniversary of its declaration of independence from France with a large military parade in the capital Hanoi.

Tens of thousands of people gathered in Hanoi on Tuesday in a strong display of nationalism in the Communist-run country.

Authorities showcased a wide variety of military equipment, including missiles, helicopters and fighter jets, during the celebrations at Ba Dinh Square, where revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh declared independence from colonial rule on September 2, 1945.

Officials said that nearly 16,000 soldiers joined the parade, which also included honour guards from China, Russia, Laos and Cambodia.

In a speech to mark the occasion, To Lam, the general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, paid tribute to those who died fighting for ind

See Full Page