MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Beijing will hold a large military parade on Thursday to mark the 70th anniversary of China’s victory in the War of Resistance against Japan and the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Leaders and high-ranking officials from almost 50 countries will gather on Tianamen square in the Chinese capital city to take part in the events.
According to official sources, about 12,000 servicemen will take part in the parade, including 11 infantry phalanxes, a mechanized convoy of 27 formations and ten echelons of aviation. Two veteran formations with average age of 90 years, will also participate.
Belarus, Cuba, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Mongolia, Pakistan, Serbia, Tajikistan and Russia have sent parade formations to Beijing, each consisting of 75 soldiers. Afghanistan, Cambodia, Fiji, Laos, Vanuatu and Venezuela have sent seven soldiers each.
China is expected to display about 500 units of military equipment of 40 types, as well as 200 aircraft of 20 types, including bombers, fighters, carrier-based aircraft, coastal patrol planes, tanker aircraft and helicopters.
Leaders of 30 countries, as well as senior officials from 19 countries have reportedly confirmed their participation in the celebrations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is due to take part in the parade. The agenda of Putin’s visit to Beijing also includes attending a formal dinner hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, as well as talks on cooperation within the framework of international organizations, including the United Nations, the G-20 and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.
Heads of 11 international organizations, including the United Nations, UNESCO, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the World Health Organization will attend the parade.
Over 3,700 journalists, including over 1,500 foreigners, have submitted accreditation requests for the celebration, according to a special press center.
