A military exhibition showcasing the development of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in the past 80 years has turned into a major hit in Beijing, attracting million of people to see the country's advanced military weaponry and logistic outfits.

Among the visitors are not only top government officials, military officers and the general public, but also many retired top leaders and soldiers.

Former president Jiang Zemin also joined the audience late Tuesday night and showed his appreciation for the exhibition and the 80-year history of the PLA.

Jiang, also former chairman of the Central Military Commission, said that the exhibition can serve as a vivid textbook displaying the army's lofty revolutionary spirits.

Listening carefully to staff orators, Jiang stopped over from time to time to inquire about the particular details of some items on display.

The exhibition has shown that the PLA, led by the Communist Party of China, is an army of the people and a pillar of the nation, and has made indelible contributions to the country's revolution, construction and reform causes, he said.

"We should firmly follow the Party's central leadership with Hu Jintao as the general secretary, to further promote the modernization drive of China's national defense and the armed forces," he said.

The exhibition runs from July 16 to August 20 and displays a total of 970 pictures and other 1,750 military exhibits on a total area of 6,540 square meters.

August 1 this year marks the PLA's 80th anniversary.

(Xinhua News Agency August 1, 2007)