China looks to TV, theaters to mark Japan's WWII defeat

China's silver screens and theater stages will be dominated by war stories about Japan's invasion of China in the early half of the 20th century as the country prepares to mark the 70th anniversary of its WWII victory on Sept. 3.

Officials with China's cultural, publication and archive authorities said Monday that 183 war-themed stage performances, ranging from symphonies and concerts to traditional operas, puppet shows and acrobatic performances, will be staged nationwide from this month.

Production of some of the performances began three years ago, Dong Wei, deputy minister of culture, told a press conference.

Another 10 movies, 12 TV series, 20 documentaries and three cartoon series - all new - will be aired nationwide, in addition to more than 100 books and 20 electronic publications.

"The goal is to illustrate the Chinese people's bitter journey towards victory, highlight the anchoring role the CPC played in the war, underline the oriental battleground's contribution to the victory of the world anti-fascist war," said Tian Jin, deputy head of the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, referring to the Second World War.

"The goal is to inspire the national spirit and raise patriotism."

This year marks the 70 anniversary of the end of World War II. Japan signed its formal surrender on Sept. 2, 1945, and China celebrated its victory the following day.

China earlier announced a military parade will be held on Sept. 3 in Beijing to commemorate the event.

Other activities on the schedule this year include a grand TV gala to be broadcast on Sept. 3, as well as war-themed art and photo exhibitions to be organized by the the People's Liberation Army, the ministry of culture, and the country's literary and art circles. Endi