China to Hold Military Parade for 80th WWII Anniversary

Beijing, June 24 (AP) - China has announced plans to conduct a military parade on September 3, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. This parade will showcase the People's Liberation Army's cutting-edge weaponry.

President Xi Jinping, the leader of both the state and the military, will give an address during the event. According to Wu Zeke, a senior officer in the PLA, the occasion will highlight "new-type combat capabilities," such as hypersonic weapons and advanced electronic equipment.

The PLA, the world's largest standing military force, boasts over 2 million personnel and a sophisticated collection of modern missiles, aircraft carriers, and fighter jets.

Military parades are a hallmark of Xi’s leadership, often organized to celebrate the founding of the People's Republic in 1949, the anniversary of Japan's surrender, and the creation of the PLA. These events prominently feature meticulously trained marching units, armored formations, and aerial displays.

Xinhua, the official news agency, quoted Wu emphasizing that showcasing the latest generation weapons illustrates the PLA's "strong ability to adapt to technological trends and evolving warfare, and to prevail in future conflicts."

Japan's invasion of China began in 1937, resulting in the occupation of eastern regions of the country. The Nationalists led much of the resistance against Japan but were later forced to retreat to Taiwan after the Communist takeover of the mainland.

China's comprehensive military upgrades are largely directed at reclaiming Taiwan, which it sees as a renegade province, and aiming to surpass the United States as the dominant military power in the Asia-Pacific region.

(AP)

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