China announced on 24/6 that it will hold a large-scale commemoration, including a military parade, at Tiananmen Square in Beijing on 3/9 to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japan in World War II.
Major General Wu Qian, deputy head of the organizing committee, said the parade will include formations of soldiers, military vehicles, and aircraft. Chinese military and armed police units have been training for the event.
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DF-21D medium-range ballistic missiles during the September 2015 military parade at Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China. Photo: AP |
DF-21D medium-range ballistic missiles during the September 2015 military parade at Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China. Photo: AP
According to General Wu, all military equipment displayed in the parade is made in China and has been commissioned into the People's Liberation Army. China will also showcase new combat forces such as unmanned reconnaissance, underwater operations, electronic and cyberspace warfare, and hypersonic weapons.
Chinese officials did not specify which weapons would be featured, but they indicated that some of them are high-precision weapons developed for "future wars".
They announced that leaders from several countries will attend the parade in Beijing. The Kremlin also announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the event.
During the 2015 victory anniversary, China deployed thousands of soldiers in a parade at Tiananmen Square, followed by tanks, armored vehicles, missile launchers, and nearly 200 aircraft.
In World War II, Japan surrendered to the Allied forces on 2/9/1945. US General Douglas MacArthur then ordered all Japanese forces in the region to surrender, including units stationed in China. China recognizes 3/9 as the day of victory over Japan, marking the end of World War II.
Nguyen Tien (Xinhua, AFP, AP)
