Beijing’s WWII military parade

Editor’s note:

China.org.cn presents you with live coverage of the military parade on September 3, 2015 for the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and World War II (1939-45).

Please stay tuned for our live updates on this event.

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All time is Beijing Time (GMT+0800)

 

 

[12:40] That’s it for the live blog. Thanks for following along with us.

[11:50] The following are highlights of some core armaments on show in the parade:

— 99A tank: China’s advanced main battlefield tanks, known as “king of the land battle”;

— 05A amphibious vehicle: China’s self-developed second-generation amphibious armored vehicles;

— 04A tracked infantry fighting vehicle: China’s infantry fighting vehicle with the good maneuvering performance;

— Red Arrow-10 anti-tank missile: China’s latest anti-tank armament used in the army;

— 05A155 tracked self-propelled gun howitzer: China’s largest artillery piece with remarkable accuracy and maneuvering performance;

— Armed police anti-terrorist vehicle: The youngest armored vehicle in the parade;

— HQ-9 missile: China’s third-generation surface-to-air defense missile;

— Dongfeng-15B and Dongfeng-16 missiles: conventional missiles;

— Dongfeng-21D missile: China’s anti-ship ballistic missile described by some as the “carrier killer”;

— Changjian-10A missile: China’s cruise missile;

— Dongfeng-26 missile: China’s ballistic missile, can be fired at short notice and fitted with the nuclear warhead;

— Dongfeng-31A missile: Solid-fuel Chinese intercontinental ballistic missiles;

— Dongfeng-5B missile: China’s intercontinental strategic missile designed to carry nuclear warheads;

— Yilong drone: It can perform both combat and reconnaissance missions;

— KJ-500 airborne early warning aircraft: China’s latest self-developed medium-size all-weather early warning aircraft;

— Y8 aircraft: China’s medium-size command and communication aircraft;

— JH-7A aircraft: Fighter-bomber with PLA Naval Air Force;

— H-6K bomber: China’s medium-long range bomber, able to carry out long-range attack and destroy targets beyond defense zone;

— J-15 fighter jet: Carrier-based fighter aircraft, once made successful landing on China’s first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning.

 

[11:35] @Embassy of Japan in China
Seventy years ago when WWII ended, a large number of Japanese children were left in China. During the China-Japan Friendship Exchange Meeting held in May 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese people returned good deeds in exchange for evil ones, and raised thousands of war orphans. At this crucial time of remembrance honoring the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII, we again appreciate the tolerance of the Chinese people and will make more efforts to further develop China and Japan’s relationship.

[11:37] Chinese Premier Li Keqiang announces the end of the Parade.

 

[11:35] Tens of thousands of pigeons and balloons fly into the sky.

[11:33] J-15 carrier-based fighter jets debut in V-Day parade.

[11:31] Two HY-6 aerial refueling tankers and four J-10 jets in the refueling and receiving position flew over Tian’anmen Square. This is the third time that refueling and receiver echelons attended a military parade in China.

[11:29] The latest member of the PLA’s airborne early warning aircraft system made its debut at the V-Day Parade on Sept. 3, 2015.

An echelon of 11 airborne early warning aircraft passed over Tian’anmen Square, in which the KJ-500, the latest member of China’s fleet of early warning aircraft, made its first public appearance.

[11:28] A Kongjing-2000 AEWC aircraft, escorted by eight J-10 fighters, flew over Tian’anmen Square in central Beijing Thursday morning, kicking off China’s largest-ever air force display in a military parade.

[11:25] @Pinecone Guozhen
Seventy years ago, China made everlasting contributions to the victory of World War II. We should face history and respect history. A rising and powerful China will always be the backbone of world peace. Cheer up China! Long live China!

[11:23] Logistic forces pass through.

[11:20] The formations of nuclear missiles pass through.

[11:15] Three formations of conventional missiles pass through.

[11:13] @Little Bingbing & Little Bingbing
Clean streets, blue sky and the improved quality of life for Chinese people! Thanks to the martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for this time of peace. Cherish our happy lives and peace!

[11:10] A formation of Hongqi-12 ground-to-air missiles is marching through.

[11:09] The Hongjian-10 (or red arrow), multiple weapon system makes its debut. Every Hongjian-10 is capable of striking at high-value ground targets and at low-attitude, slowly flying objects. It is the PLA’s most advanced anti-tank weapon and deserves the name “King of Land Warfare.”

[11:08] A total of 16 Type-05A amphibious assault vehicles passed through Tian’anmen Square following the lead of two guidance vehicles in strict formation.

[11:05] 84 percent of armaments that are being displayed in the military parade have never been viewed by the public before.

[11:04] Formations of weaponry are divided into six modules, including ground assault weaponry, air defense and anti-missile weaponry, offshore assault and defense weaponry, strategic strike weaponry, information equipment and logistic equipment.

[11:03] Representative teams of  Afghanistan, Cambodia, Fiji, Laos, Vanuatu and Venezuela are marching through.

[11:00] Formations of troops from 11 countries, namely Belarus, Cuba, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Mongolia, Pakistan, Serbia, Tajikistan, and Russia are marching through.

[10:49]  At the scene: Deng Guoping, an owner of a private business, said that he came to watch the military parade together with his mother.

“My mother was a model in supporting the front during the war. She was invited by President Xi Jinping to attend the parade ceremony. Our whole family members are very proud of her, ” Deng said.

[10:46]   At the scene: It’s the second time for veteran Chen Tongan to come to Tian’anmen Square. “The first time was in 1949, when we were reviewed by Chairman Mao,” said Chen, who is from Tonghua City, Jilin Province. Chen said he had never expected he would be able to attend the V-Day military parade at the age of 92.

[10:47] Fifty-one female guards of honor of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) made their debut in a military parade marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II on Thursday morning.

[10:45] There are 50 formations and echelons, including two veteran teams riding in open-top vehicles, 11 formations of foot soldiers, 27 formations of weaponry and 10 air echelons. About 12,000 people are being reviewed. More than 500 pieces of weaponry of over 40 types, and nearly 200 aircraft of more than 20 types are displayed.

[10:44] @Wagasi

Talking about the tribute to veterans during the counter-Japanese war, there is one such veteran in my hometown. He spoke four languages and often sat at the gate watching children play or told them stories, but he may have passed away now.

[10:43] Here come the team of veterans and the children of fallen soldiers as well as the team of civilians who greatly supported the front line.

[10:42] Helicopters are carrying the flag of China and the flag of the PLA, and 20 helicopters are forming the figure “70”while seven planes fly overheard trailing colored smoke.

[10:41] Formations and representative teams of troops from 17 countries, such as Russia and Kazakhstan, also take part in the parade.

[10:38] China’s anti-ship ballistic missile, known as the Dongfeng-21D and described by some reports as the “carrier killer,” was seen among the armaments waiting to be paraded in central Beijing Thursday morning.

[10:36] President Xi Jinping reviewed the army’s troops from a Hongqi inspection car. Since its debut in a military parade on Oct. 1 in 1959, the Chinese national brand Hongqi, translated as red flag, has become synonymous with inspection cars.

[10:35]   @VVS1 from Yahoo

Why do the so-called experts refuse to see clearly that China was forced to sign unfair treaties and ceded much territories to many western powers? At the time, China was very weak with little or no power to resist any invading forces. With changes to the world situation, Chinese leaders know that the only way to make sure that it will never face the same situations of the past is to arm itself. What is wrong with the desire to defend oneself, especially when the US is creating problems around the world?

[10:20] Chinese President Xi Jinping is reviewing the troops in a black open-roof limousine.

[10:18] China will cut the number of its troops by 300,000, President Xi Jinping announced Thursday.

Xi made the announcement while addressing the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

[10:17] Xi Jinping said that the commemoration of victory is to “bear history in mind, honor all those who laid down their lives, cherish peace and move forward into the future.”

“The experience of war can make a people value peace all the more,” said Xi.

Xi Jinping said that the great triumph of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression “opened up bright prospects for the great renewal of the Chinese nation and set our ancient country on a new journey after this rebirth.”

[10:16] He said that with huge national sacrifice, “the Chinese people held ground in the main theater in the East of the World Anti-Fascist War, thus making major contribution to its victory.”

[10:15] He said  that the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression re-established China as a major country in the world and won the Chinese people respect of all peace-loving people around the world.

[10:14] He said,”In defiance of aggression, the unyielding Chinese people fought gallantly and finally won total victory against the Japanese militarist aggressors, thus preserving China’s 5,000-year-old civilization and upholding the cause of peace of mankind.”

[10:13] Xi Jinping said  the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression was “a remarkable feat” made by the Chinese nation which was rare in the history of war.

[10:12] Xi Jinping said that the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression is the first complete victory won by China in its resistance against foreign aggression in modern times.

[10:11] Xi Jinping said the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression “started the earliest and lasted the longest” in the World Anti-Fascist War.

[10:09] Xi Jinping said the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War were “a decisive battle between justice and evil, between light and darkness, and between progress and reaction.”

[10:08] Xi Jinping extended heartfelt gratitude to foreign governments and friends who supported and assisted the Chinese people in resisting aggression.

[10:04] President Xi Jinping paid high tribute to all the veterans, comrades, patriots and officers in China who took part in the War of Resistance and all the Chinese at home and abroad who contributed significantly to the victory of the War.

[10:05] Chinese President Xi Jinping is delivering a speech.

[10:03] @Xiakedao
A thousand people who hear the roar of the guns on V-Day will give a thousand answers, and my answer is that the roar belongs to my grandpa. I hope the living veterans can live a more carefree life, and the deceased can see the rainbow of smoke trailing from the jets in the sky.

[10:01] The flag of China will be raised, and the national anthem will be sung.

[10:00] The ceremony begins with a salute of 70 guns.

[09:59] Premier Li Keqiang announces the beginning of the parade.

[09:55] 

[09:54] Members of the standing committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Li Keqiang, Zhang Dejiang, Yu Zhengsheng, Liu Yunshan, Wang Qishan, Zhang Gaoli, and former state leaders Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao wait to see the parade.

[09:50] A military band and chorus are playing and singing songs, including the Song of the Counter-Japanese Military and Political University, Defending Yellow River, On the Taihang Mountain and The People’s Army Is Loyal to the Party, at the Tian’anmen Square.

[09:48]  Algeria’s ambassador in China told China.org.cn at Tian’anmen Square that he was excited to see the upcoming parade, and that the victory of the war is worth commemorating.

[09:40] Heads of State of the SCO, or Shanghai Cooperation Organization, member states said during the 15th SCO summit in July that they will attend China’s commemorations of the victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. They gather in Beijing today to mark the grand occasion.

[09:39] The V-day parade will start soon, and the troops are ready.

[09:32] President Xi Jinping goes up Tian’anmen Rostrum along with foreign leaders and steps into the hall of the Rostrum.

 

[09:30]  All foreign leaders, senior representatives of foreign governments and leaders of international and regional organizations have arrived at the scene. Chinese President Xi Jinping took group photos with foreign leaders, government representatives and leading officials of international and regional organizations.

[09:29] Chinese President Xi Jinping greeted his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

[09:28] President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Park Geun-hye arrived at the Duanmen Gate of the Forbidden City in central Beijing to attend China’s V-Day celebration Thursday morning.

[09:27] President Xi Jinping and wife Peng Liyuan meet with Choe Ryong-hae, secretary to the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of DPRK.

[09:21] @Nanshuiguan Hutong No.1
Grandpa risked his life to win his medals 70 years ago. In his own words, he escaped death dozens of times during the counter-Japanese war, the War of Liberation (Chinese Civil War, 1945-1950) and the Korean War. Four bullet holes on his chest were left from the counter-Japanese war, and a 15 centimeter-long scar on his waist was left from the Korean War. Veterans never die, they only age. I salute those heroes who shed blood 70 years ago.

[09:15] A 70-gun salute is prepared ahead of the commemoration activities to mark the 70th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, in China’s capital, Beijing, on Sept. 3, 2015.

[09:04] @Xiaomi TV
Thumbs-up to China! The Victory Parade will be held today. As Chinese, we are proud of our motherland. Wherever we are, we will sincerely wish China all the best!

[09:02] Following U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Peter Maurer, President of the ICRC, and Margaret Chan, WHO Director General, were among the leaders of international and regional organizations who arrived at the scene. President Xi Jinping took turns welcoming and shaking hands with them.

[09:01] Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon was the first foreign guest to arrive at the parade site.

[09:00] Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan welcomed heads of foreign delegations and their spouses ahead of a V-Day parade at the south square of Duanmen, north of the Tian’anmen Squar.

[08:57] 

[08:56] @MarylouDean
My grandpa has received his long-awaited commemorative medal and he said he would wear the medal to watch the Victory Parade. I can’t stop shedding a tear every time I listen to the stories about fighting against Japanese aggression that my grandpa told me. Only in the act of cherishing our wonderful lives can we be fair to those who have sacrificed their lives!

[08:52] About 12,000 servicemen and women, World War II veterans and their families assembled around Beijing’s Tian’anmen Square Thursday morning, ready for the V-Day parade.

[08:43] The audience has been seated. There are eight sets of viewing stands at the scene of the parade. Apart from the viewing stands on the two sides of the Tian’anmen Rostrum, another six temporary viewing stands have been set up at the two sides of the national flag pole in the Tian’anmen Square, on either side of the Huabiao (marble pillars), on the north side of the Great Hall of the People and on the north side of the National Museum of China. A total of 40,000 people are estimated to be on the scene to watch the parade.

[08:32] MalksooLauri— Director of Estonia’s Foreign Policy Institute.

“China undoubtedly made a huge sacrifice for WWII and was one of the more notable victims. It experienced a similar fate to that of Eastern European countries in the war, but it has been able to independently regain its power. Undoubtedly, China actively seized the post-war opportunity to gradually become a big power, moving from victim to active participant in international affairs.”

[08:16] Zou Dalin, a taxi driver in Beijing, talks about local traffic conditions on Sept. 3, the massive military parade day to mark the 70th anniversary of victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

“There are few vehicles on the road today. The traffic conditions are even better than during the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday period. I am working an extra shift today from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm. I won’t have a chance to see the live broadcast of the parade on TV, but I can raise my head and watch the airplanes in the sky,” said Zou.

[08:15]  The clock is ticking in anticipation of the grand parade’s formal start. All journalists covering the event are ready and in position. China.org.cn is among the major websites that have set up a stand in the live broadcast zone at Tian’anmen Square. Some are busy typing away at their computers while photojournalists are lugging cameras and their massive, formidable lenses in search of a vantage point. China.org.cn’s team at the scene is about to launch their live broadcast.

[08:13] @Yang Sir is me
Remembering history is not only about reminiscing on the past but more importantly it is about remembering the past humiliation and then striving to stop history repeating itself.

[08:08] 

[07:57] V-day parade schedule

At 9:00 Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan will greet foreign guests, take photos with them and wait to see the parade on the Tian’anmen Rostrum with them. Leaders and representatives from 49 countries will attend the ceremony, including 30 state and government leaders and 19 senior representatives of foreign governments.

[September 3, 07:42] Chinese President Xi Jinping on the evening of September 2 met with leaders of foreign countries and international organizations who are visiting China to attend V-Day celebrations on September 3.

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[16:55]  Video: China’s V-Day parade: a tribute to history and a call for peace

China.org.cn’s Editor-in-Chief Wang Xiaohui shares his thoughts on the V-Day parade.

[16.49] John Ross—Senior Fellow of Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, Renmin University of China

“In the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression more than 30 million Chinese people died. This gigantic sacrifice was not in vain. It is solely due to their efforts that their children and grandchildren see the rebirth of China symbolized in the Victory Parade of a country with the world’s most dynamic economy and military forces so strong no country dare attack it. “

[16:38] @Jing Newspaper
I’ve always felt that our military parade is the most spectacular. It is simply too mighty. Thumbs-up to the Chinese soldiers!

[16:33] 10. More than 10 international formations

Russia and Kazakhstan are among the 11 countries from Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania and Latin America which will participate in the parade. They have been training in the parade training base and conducting rehearsals with the PLA formations.

[16:32] 9. 300-man veteran mobile arrays

Veteran formations will involve 300 veterans who fought in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression as well as their descendants. The veterans were selected from soldiers fighting under Communist and KMT command.

[16:30] 8. 2,400-man chorus group

The PLA joint military band and chorus group will be performing at the Tian’anmen Square. Around 100 female musicians will be playing various instruments whereas the chorus group will entirely consist of men.

[16:28] 7. Spectacular female soldiers

The array of military honor guards will lead the entire 11 formations to march past the reviewing stand in Tian’anmen Square. Among the guards of honor will be female soldiers, who will make their first-ever appearance in a national military parade. The female presence will also be seen in the joint military band, which will include one female vice conductor and several female musicians. Female pilots will fly J-10 jet fighters.

[16:27] 6. Grand aerial formations

As the Sept. 3 parade is China’s first-ever military celebration to be held on a date other than the National Day holiday (Oct. 1), elements of resistance against Japanese aggression as well as new features of the contemporary era will be displayed.

A total of 10 aerial formations feature various types of military aircrafts, including both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. Fighter jets will fly over the Tian’anmen Square in a new formation unseen in the previous parades, while the array of helicopters will fly in close formation for the first time, both designed to create a sensation among those watching below.

[16:24] 5. Generals will personally pilot aircraft in the flyby

Air force generals will be among the pilots at the controls of aircraft or commanding aerial formations that will fly over the Tian’anmen Square. They include several divisional commanders and around a dozen regimental commanders.

[16:23] 4. Record number of aircraft

Compared with previous parades, this one features the largest number of aircraft — more than 100 aircraft, all latest types in active service. New types of airborne early warning aircraft, fighter jets, bombers, carrier-based fighter jets, maritime patrol jets of the navy aviation force, and helicopters of the army aviation force were all on view.

[16:21] 3. First public display of 84 percent of equipment
All equipment to be displayed at the parade will feature new camouflage paint, and 84 percent was being shown to the public for the first time. Some weapons were shipped directly to the parade training village after coming off the production line.

[16:20] 2. New equipment all made in China

All the ordnance and equipment on display was made in China. The event provides an opportunity to showcase of new equipment in use with the PLA Ground Force, Navy, Air Force and Second Artillery Force.

[16:17]  Ten spotlights in V-Day Parade

1.Over 50 generals lead the formations

More than 50 major generals and lieutenant generals in active service will lead the formations in the Sept. 3 military parade. They are the army corps commanders of the soldiers to be inspected. This is designed to show that senior commanders also have the responsibility of fighting battles apart from being role models for their soldiers.

[15:50]  Feature: Forgotten history: Chinese Americans who fought against Japan

Thousands of Chinese Americans who returned home to contribute to the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) should not be forgotten, Chinese media reported.

[14:29]  @Youth Yuncheng County
The military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression is not about the “military” but more about the “love” we have for our motherland. We are in Yuncheng County of Heze City (Shandong Province) and we are proud of our country. I’m looking forward to Sept. 3, a day of national jubilation!

[14:23] Running order for the V-Day parade

1. At 9:00 a.m. on Sept. 3, President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan will meet guests of honor from different countries, take photos with them and go to the Tian’anmen Rostrum together to wait for the parade to start.
2. At 10:00 a.m., the commemoration will start. After a 70-gun salute, the national flag raising ceremony will be held.
3. President Xi will deliver a speech.
4. President Xi will inspect the soldiers and equipment lined up for the parade on a vehicle, followed by the march-past, which is expected to last more than 50 minutes.

[14:14] @Embassy of Israel in China

“We will always thank you and we will never forget this period of history.” During World War II, more than 20,000 Jews left Nazi-occupied Europe to take refuge in Shanghai. Thank you, Shanghai.

[13:42]  Feature: China’s foreign friends

Some foreign friends who helped the then fledgling Communist Party and the Chinese nation remain unforgettable to the Chinese people.

 

[13:22]  Photos: National parade uniforms over the years

[13:20]  Video: Evolution of PLA military uniforms

China.org.cn’s Editor-in-Chief Wang Xiaohui talks about PLA military uniforms’ evolution from 1949 to 2015.

[12:50] Guo Weimin, deputy director of State Council Information Office, provided details about the five categories of veterans being honored. They include:

• Veterans who served in the Communist Party of China’s (CPC’s) counter-Japanese forces, including the Eighth Route Army, New Fourth Army, Northeast China Counter-Japanese United Forces and South China Guerrillas .
• Personnel who worked in underground organizations and governments led by the CPC during the war against Japanese invasion.
• Veterans who returned home as peasants or joined CPC revolutionary activities after fighting with the Kuomintang (KMT).
• Patriotic personages who contributed to the victory in the war, commanders of anti-Japanese forces or their surviving dependents.
• Foreigners who contributed to the victory.

[11:50] The ceremony was held in the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing. Other Chinese leaders Li Keqiang, Zhang Dejiang, Yu Zhengsheng, Liu Yunshan, Wang Qishan and Zhang Gaoli were also at present at the ceremony.
.

[11:39] President Xi Jinping granted medals to 30 Chinese and foreign veterans and civilians who fought for China in the World War II.

[10:44] More than 500 pieces of the PLA’s latest ground and naval equipment as well as nearly 200 advanced aircraft will be displayed, 84 percent of which have never been viewed by the public, according to the PLA Parade Joint Command.

[10:26]  Feature: Chinese Judge Mei Ru’ao at the 1946 Tokyo trial

“I don’t want revenge. I have no intention to settle the blood debt committed by the Japanese military with the Japanese people. However, I believe that forgetting the sufferings of the past may cause a calamity in the future,” Mei Ru’ao, a Chinese judge at the Tokyo trial said.

[09:55] When China held its last military parade for the 60th National Day in 2009, Beidou only had three satellites operating. But for the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II on Sept. 3, Beidou will have almost 20 satellites.

[09:52] China’s self-developed Beidou system will facilitate the parade from space, marking its first deployment for a military parade.

[09:49] The commemoration will start at 10:00 a.m.

[09:47] Chinese President Xi Jinping will deliver a speech Thursday morning before the V-Day military parade.

[09:41]  Photos: Motorcycle honor guards train for parade

Chinese motorcycle honor guards were reestablished by the Beijing Armed Police Corps in October 2014. After one year of training, the guards will make their debut during the massive military parade.

[09:38] Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying reiterated in a press conference in Beijing on September 1 that the events are being held by the Chinese government on Sept 3 in order to “remember history, recall the martyrs, cherish peace and open up to the future“.

At such a moment when the international community is marking the 70th anniversary of the victory of the world’s Anti-Fascist War in various forms, Japan’s latest complaints over United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s upcoming visit to China for V-Day commemorations are “completely making trouble out of nothing”

[09:33] Military fans in China and around the world should set their alarm clocks to ring before 10 am on September 3 Beijing time as they will be presented with a rare display of the People’s Liberation Army’s top weapons,observers suggested.

[08:51] Xi made the remarks during the meeting,

The victory in the counter-Japan war is China’s first complete victory against foreign invasion in modern times. The CPC and the KMT jointly established a counter-Japan united front to safeguard state sovereignty and national dignity with blood and lives. The history will forever remember the revolutionaries.

[08:35] Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on September 1 called on people of the mainland and Taiwan to remember history, unite to safeguard peace, and promote cross-Strait relations and national rejuvenation.

[07:54] During the parade rehearsal, many netizens posted or forwarded photos of the rehearsal on the Internet and WeChat.

Many of them described the parade as “breathtaking” and “grand and magnificent.” Some said the parade rehearsal “inspired the ordinary people and demonstrated military and national prestige;” and some others commented online with the words “a salute to the Chinese army and best wishes to the motherland.”

[07:52] A thorough rehearsal of the commemoration was held from the night of Aug. 22 to the morning of Aug. 23.

[07:51] Chinese President Xi Jinping also signed a prisoner amnesty ahead of parade as part of commemorations marking the end of World War II.

[07:48] Lien is also expected to meet Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee. It will be the third meeting between the two leaders, following their previous two meetings, in 2013 and 2014.

[07:47]  Lien Chan, honorary chairman of the Kuomintang (KMT), will attend the military parade in Beijing on Sept. 3, the Taiwan-based United Daily News reported.

[07:46] He said,

“They went to the war not because they wanted to, but because they felt they had to. And they are very proud of what they did. And they are extremely pleased that people recognize and remember it today. It makes them feel good about what they did.”

[07:44] Larry Jobe, the founder of the Flying Tigers Historical Organization, is set to lead a group of Flying tiger veterans in Beijing.

[07:43] Flying Tigers, also known as the 1st American Volunteer Group, played a key role in China’s victory and are highly respected in the country.

[07:40] Among them are veterans from the “Flying Tigers,” the Soviet Red Army, and the Japanese veterans who served in the Eighth Route Army, an anti-Japanese force; relatives of Dr. Norman Bethune and Dr. Dwarkanath Kotnis, and those friends who helped the Chinese people in Nanjing Massacre.

[07:36]China has also invited foreigners who made contributions or sacrifices in the war. Although the majority of them couldn’t come to China in person due to their age or health, more than 100 foreign friends including relatives of those wartime heroes will still attend the event.

[07:28] Asked about his response to the reported Japanese concern on his upcoming China visit, the secretary-general said it is very important for the world community to learn from the past and move forward.

[07:21] It is confirmed that Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will take part in the celebration. He made the remarks on the eve of his scheduled trip to China.

“China’s contribution and sacrifice during the Second World War is very much recognized, (China is) appreciated for all such sufferings, and sympathized by the world’s people.”

[07:19] So far, 49 countries have confirmed their attendance, including 30 heads of state and government leaders, 19 senior representatives, and 10 heads of international and regional organizations.

[07:18] According to Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Ming,

The purpose of the ceremony is to remember history, recall the martyrs, cherish peace and look to the future. I’d like to emphasize again that the event will not target any country, nor today’s Japan, nor the Japanese people.

[07:16]  Feature: Chinese code breakers contribute to WWII victory

Lyu Tonglin, professor of the School of Humanities and director of the World Anti-fascist War Research Center, at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, said,

“The intelligence cooperations between the CPC and the Americans were beyond the expectation of American intelligence agencies.”

[07:13]  Infographic: China’s contribution to WWII victory

[07:09] The Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression is an important part of the World’s Anti-Fascist War, which started the earliest, lasted the longest time, and involved the largest sacrifices.

• China was a member of the Allies of World War II, and was a main battlefield during the war.
• The Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression lasted 14 years.
• About 35 million Chinese soldiers and civilians were killed or injured.
• The Chinese troops resisted and contained the majority of the Japanese armed forces, providing support and coordination for battlefields in Europe and the Pacific.
• The war was a great sacrifice for the victory in the World’s Anti-Fascist War.

[07:07] In the evening, a grand performance will be held at the Great Hall of the People to revisit the remarkable historical process of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.

[07:05] According to a press conference held by the State Council Information Office on Aug. 25, a grand reception will be held at noon at the Great Hall of the People where the Communist Party of China (CPC) and state leaders will gather with guests from home and abroad to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

[07:02] China will hold a commemoration meeting and grand military parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing on Sept.3.

[07:01]  Special coverage: The 70th anniversary of the victory of Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War

[07:00]: This year marks the 70th anniversary of the victory of Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.