China is ramping up publicity for an upcoming military parade to commemorate the end of World War II, but officials are yet to confirm which other countries are taking part.
Propaganda officials yesterday escorted foreign journalists on a tour of a military base outside Beijing, where troops were practicing for the Sept. 3 spectacle that is set to feature 12,000 soldiers and 500 pieces of China’s latest military acquisitions, including about 200 aircraft.
Reporters observed hundreds of troops in dress uniform and full battle gear engaged in marching practice along a strip of tarmac similar to the avenue they are set to march down in the heart of Beijing.
Photo: AP
Beijing says more than 10 countries from Asia, Europe, Africa, the Americas and Oceania are expected to send contingents to join the parade, but has so far only identified Russia and Kazakhstan as among them.
It also insists the parade is about marking the 70th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II, remembering the sacrifices of past generations and demonstrating its commitment to future peace.
“This is not about extending hatred, but about reflecting on history and facing the future,” parade infantry head trainer Lieutenant Colonel Liu Shijun told reporters.
Despite that, the parade is widely seen as a high-profile display of the People’s Liberation Army’s fast-growing capabilities, and comes as China is growing more active in asserting its territorial claims in the South and East China seas.
Those moves have prompted its neighbors to boost their own capabilities, and the US military to renew its commitments to regional allies.
China says it has sent invitations to numerous heads of state, but thus far only Russian President Vladimir Putin, Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and Czech President Milos Zeman have accepted, along with unidentified leaders from Central Asian states, according to Chinese state media.
South Korean President Park Geun-hye said she will attend a ceremony marking the anniversary of victory over Japan in World War II, but aides say she remains undecided on attending the military parade.
Participation is considered problematic because many nations have expressed concern over China’s aggressive military moves. China has also actively courted international support for its ongoing rivalry with Japan, which many Chinese say has never showed adequate contrition for its World War II invasion of China.
China’s last military parade of this magnitude was in 2009, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
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