China's land-based cruise missiles debuted at a National Day parade Thursday morning, marking the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

The missiles, painted in camouflage, were one of the most advanced domestically-made weaponry of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

They were new members of the army that had grown up "embracing the challenges of the new military reform," military experts say.

Lieutenant Colonel Gou Yi, head of the missile formation at the parade, said the missiles marked breakthrough in striking manners and combat power of the troop."

Yu Jixun, Deputy Commander of the PLA Second Artillery Force, said the land-based cruise missile boasted long-range and low-altitude flight, precision targeting, and quick emergency response from concealed places.

Gou said the cruise missiles were "sharp swords" for intermediate and long-range precision attacks "against adversaries."

Since the cruise missiles were delivered to the troop in 2006, Gou's brigade had conducted 11 live firing trials and all 34 missiles fired had hit the targets, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency October 1, 2009)