BEIJING - A military parade in Tiananmen Square, a ceremonial speech by General Secretary Xi Jinping, a gala evening, an exhibition of historical weapons, new medals for veterans and the first participation of the women's militia in the national march. This year, China will commemorate in style the 80th anniversary of its victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese aggression and its victory in the World Anti-Fascist War.

Leaders of the Chinese Communist Party, the government and the military informed about the extraordinary importance of the upcoming celebrations at a press conference in Beijing.

Highlights of the upcoming celebrations

The press briefing, led by Hu Heping, Executive Vice-Minister of the Propaganda Department of the CPC Central Committee, and supplemented by a major general from the Operations Department of the Central Military Commission, presented an extremely extensive plan of action.

  1. Military parade on 3 September in Beijing
    President Xi Jinping will personally preside over the military parade. Infantry units, combat vehicles and air formations will take part. For the first time, advanced weapon systems, including hypersonic, cyber or underwater unmanned vehicles, will be publicly displayed. Special emphasis will be placed on modern "smart" forces and on linking historical legacies with advanced technologies.
  2. Decorations for veterans and family members of the fallen
    Chinese authorities will award commemorative medals to veterans, former militia members and survivors of the fallen. Due to the high age of the participants (most are around 100 years old), veterans will not actively participate in the parade, but will be present among the guests of honor.
  3. Cultural programme and public education
    A number of films, television programmes and theatre productions will be made. Books, new stamps and commemorative coins will be issued. There will be exhibitions, educational events, competitions, readings of war letters and themed poetry evenings across the country.
  4. Foreign guests and the international dimension of the celebrations
    China will invite representatives of countries that played a significant role in World War II - from among former politicians, diplomats and relatives of foreign fighters. It will honour, for example, the US Flying Tigers, Canadian doctor Norman Bethune, and French and Indian doctors who saved Chinese lives.
  5. The importance of the militia and women in the resistance
    For the first time in history, the women's militia will also take part in the parade. Their members played an important role in the war, not only on the battlefield, but also in logistics, supply and support of the main forces.

National sacrifice and historical memory

According to official figures, the Chinese people paid a huge price for their victory over Japan: more than 35 million dead and wounded, with economic damage that would today amount to hundreds of billions of dollars. China recalls that it was the main eastern battlefield and its resistance played a decisive role in the defeat of Japanese militarism.

Symbolism and message

The motto of the celebration is "to honour heroes, to remember history, to strive for peace and a common future". Government officials said the celebrations would be simple, dignified, without pomp and in line with the rules of austerity.

The military parade and the cultural event are intended not only to commemorate history but also to strengthen national unity and self-confidence and demonstrate China's growing military strength. Organisers say the parade will send a strong signal of China's determination to safeguard world peace and its readiness to face future challenges.

CMG