1st Ld: Foreign troops invited to participate in V-Day parade

China has invited foreign militaries to take part in a military parade this fall in Beijing marking the 70th anniversary of the victory in World War II.

"It's the first time to invite the foreign troops to participate. We hope through this year's military parade, history and the future can be connected, China and the world can be connected and the message of peace and development can be sent," said Qu Rui, deputy director of parade steering group office, at a press conference on Tuesday.

Qu, also deputy chief of operations department of the People's Liberation Army (PLA)'s General Staff Headquarters, said the participation of foreign armed forces is being coordinated and will be determined through consultation.

"We've issued the invitations and foreign troops willing to participate are welcome to march in the parade," said Qu, adding necessary support will be provided to foreign participants.

"The invitation of foreign militaries showed the wish of China and all other peoples to safeguard world peace," he added.

According to the deputy director, a square composed by heroic and model Chinese troops will march in the parade scheduled on Sept. 3 , including Eight Route Army, New Fourth Army, the Northeast China Anti-Japanese United Forces and South China Guerrilla. Endi