About 900 Chinese compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan joined the crowds Thursday to watch a grandiose military parade to mark the 60th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China in Beijing.

Among the crowds are Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive Donald Tsang, Macao Special Administrative Region Chief Executive Ho Hau Wah and his successor Chui Sai On.

Leung Chun-ying, convener of the Hong Kong Executive Council, said he is more excited this time against the backdrop that the Chinese nation is marching toward prosperity, democracy and renaissance.

Leung, also a member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), watched the last two National Day military parades in 1984 and 1999.

Li Yang, a CPPCC National Committee member from Hong Kong, said he could feel the nation's growing strength and people's confidence through watching the massive parade.

Li added that compared with 10 years ago, the Hong Kong delegation is more diversified as it includes more business people, artists and retired civil servants.

Chui Sai Cheong, a CPPCC National Committee member from Macao, said with the support of the motherland, Macao has made rapid and huge progress in various sectors in the past 10 years after its return to the motherland.

The central government's recent decision to let Macao exercise jurisdiction over part of Hengqin Island of southern coastal city of Zhuhai has offered more growth opportunities for Macao, said Chui, also a member of Macao's Legislative Assembly.