Update: China to hold military parade marking 80th anniversary of victory against Japanese aggression, fascism

BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- China will hold a military parade in Beijing's Tian'anmen Square on Sept. 3 to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will review the troops and address a grand gathering held that day to mark the anniversary.

At a press conference held on Tuesday, Hu Heping, executive deputy head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, announced a series of events to be held this year for the commemoration.

Foreign leaders, former political dignitaries, high-level officials and heads of international organizations will be invited, Hu said.

China designated Sept. 3 as Victory Day to mark the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender on Sept. 2, 1945. On Sept. 3, 2015, a military parade was held in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the victory.

The Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was the first to break out and lasted the longest in the World Anti-Fascist War, resulting in over 35 million Chinese military and civilian casualties from 1931 to 1945.

In the main Eastern battlefield of the global fight against fascism, China's resistance effort was decisive in defeating Japanese fascism and supporting other fronts in Europe and Asia, profoundly contributing to the final victory and lasting world peace, he added.

Hu said this year's commemorative events serve as a solemn tribute to the Chinese people's arduous and heroic resistance against Japanese militarist aggression, reaffirming the Chinese people's steadfast commitment to the path of peaceful development and to upholding world peace.

SHOWCASING NEW COMBAT CAPABILITIES

At Tuesday's press conference, Wu Zeke, a senior officer of the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission, said organizing a military parade in Tian'anmen Square is a key part of the commemoration and carries far-reaching significance.

This year's parade will feature marching formations, armored columns and aerial echelons, showcasing both traditional main battle forces and new-domain forces with new combat capabilities, he said.

In addition to the latest generation of conventional weapons, the parade will display unmanned intelligent systems, underwater combat units, cyber and electronic forces, and hypersonic weapons, demonstrating the Chinese military's strong ability to adapt to technological trends and evolving warfare, and to prevail in future wars, Wu said.

"Every piece of weaponry slated for display is domestically produced and serves as active-duty main battle equipment," Wu said.

All weapons and equipment featured in the parade will be selected from combat units across a range of services and arms, encompassing strategic strike forces, advanced operational and tactical equipment, and emerging units designed for future warfare.

The display will showcase a comprehensive array of capabilities, including command and control, reconnaissance and early warning, air and missile defense, firepower strike, and integrated support, according to Wu.

"The weapons and equipment on display offer higher strike precision, enhanced adaptability to battlefield conditions, and greater combat effectiveness," Wu said.

FIRM COMMITMENT TO PEACE

Officials attending Tuesday's press conference emphasized China's unwavering dedication and resolve to peace as showcased by the planned commemorations marking the war victory.

"The Chinese military has always been a staunch force for upholding world peace," Wu said.

He said Chinese troops with UN peacekeeping experiences will participate in the parade.

This arrangement not only highlights China's solemn commemoration of the victory in the war, but also demonstrates the country's commitment to fulfilling international obligations and safeguarding world peace, Wu noted.

In the 35 years since joining UN peacekeeping operations, China has dispatched over 50,000 peacekeepers to over 20 countries and regions, undertaking 26 UN missions to safeguard security and stability.

"We will make even greater contributions to maintaining world peace and regional stability," he added.

Wu said the Chinese people will never forget the invaluable support and assistance provided by peace-loving countries, peoples, international organizations, and all other anti-fascist forces around the world.

To honor this international cooperation, China will invite foreigners who aided the country's resistance against Japanese aggression or representatives of their family members to observe the military parade on Sept. 3.

Hu noted that the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War laid "a crucial foundation for the post-war international order."

"The Chinese people will work hand in hand with all peace-loving nations and peoples worldwide to promote a community with a shared future for humanity," Hu said. ■