1st LD-Writethru: China plans parade for war anniversary

China will hold a military parade this year to commemorate the 70th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday evening.

Other events to mark the anniversary include a rally, a reception and an evening gala in Beijing, to be attended by President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders, Hua Chunying said, without revealing the dates of the events.

China will invite leaders from major countries involved in the Second World War, Asian countries and countries in other regions to attend the events, said Hua.

Guests will also include heads of the United Nations and other international organizations, and individuals who had helped China to win the war 70 years ago, she said.

This year also marks the 70th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War.

Hua said the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, as an important component of the World Anti-Fascist War, helped build confidence among the Allies and that "the Chinese people paid a huge sacrifice for this."

The Chinese government has held commemorations every five or 10 years in recent decades.

"We hope these commemorative activities will help remind all kind-hearted people of the aspiration and pursuit for peace, make them work together to prevent a repetition of this historical tragedy and safeguard the outcomes of World War II in pursuit of a more beautiful future of all human beings," Hua said. Endi