抗战胜利70周年中国将举办多项纪念活动

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War.

China will hold a series of events to commemorate the victory, including a military parade on September 3. Earlier this morning, the State Council Information Office held a press conference on the arrangements for the commemoration.

This will be the first time that China will hold a military parade to mark the victory against Japanese aggression 70 years ago. The parade aims to show China's commitment to peace.

Wang Shiming, Vice Minister from Publicity Dept. of CPC Central Committee said: "The theme of the event is to remember the history, to commemorate the martyrs, to cherish the peace, and to embark on a brighter future."

Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the event in Tian'anmen Square and deliver a speech. He will also award medals to veterans and generals who were in the war and dependents of those who died. Veterans from Taiwan's Kuomintang who were in the war will also be invited.

The parade will be made up of soldiers from the navy, air force, the PLA's 2nd Artillery Corps, as well as armed police. For the first time, China will also invite foreign military representatives to the parade.

"We will demonstrate active battle equipment made by China. It will be the first time for many of these to be displayed to the public," said Qu Rui, Deputy Director from Office of the Military Parade Leading Group.

Other commemorative activities will be held around the country from July 7, when the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression broke out 78 years ago.

Those events will include a seminar, a bell-ringing ceremony in the northern city of Shenyan, and a memorial ceremony in Nanjing.