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China said on Friday that about 12,000 troops will take part in a military parade early next month in Beijing to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the second world war.
Qu Rui, deputy director of the office overseeing the September 3 parade, told a press conference that more than 10 countries including Russia and Kazakhstan have decided to send “formations and flag squads” to the event.
He said the review and march-past in Tiananmen Square would last for about 70 minutes.
China is stepping up its preparations for the parade to mark what it calls its victory in its war of resistance against Japanese aggression.
READ MORE: Why wary world leaders are weighing up their RSVP to China's war anniversary parade
In the first parade to show off China’s latest weaponry since President Xi Jinping took office in 2013, tanks will be rolled out and fighter jets will fly over the heart of the capital.
Qu said there would be 50 Chinese military formations, including 11 foot echelons and 10 air echelons.
Nearly 200 aircraft of more than 20 types will be featured in the parade, he said.

Military musicians will also play and sing nearly 30 classical pieces and other music characterising the wartime period.
The last major military parade in China was held in 2009 to mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
China has staged 14 military parades marking its national day since 1949, but never on September 3, a day after Japan formally surrendered to the Allied Powers 70 years ago.
 
 
 


About 12,000 troops to take part in second world war anniversary parade in Beijing

Workers prepare seating in front of a portrait of Mao Zedong in Tiananmen Square ahead of the parade on September 3. Photo: AP

An archive photo of the military parade held in Tiananmen Square in 2009 to mark the 60th anniversary of the foundation of the People's Republic of China. Photo: Xinhua

Beijing spruces up Tiananmen Square for China's war parade

A revamp is under way in downtown Beijing. Photo: Xinhua

Beijing tightens security before athletics world championships and September’s military parade

Security personnel keep watch inside Beijing's Bird's Nest Stadium as preparations continue for the athletics world championships, which start on Saturday.  Photo: EPA

Visitors to Beijing's Olympic Park undergo security checks outside the Bird's Nest Stadium ahead of the athletics world championships. Photo: EPA

Security guards march across the Bird's Nest Stadium in Beijing during a rehearsal for the opening ceremony of the athletics world championships, which start on Saturday. Photo: EPA

Jamaica's Usain Bolt (left) will be back in Beijing this weekend for the athletics world championships. He won  three gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Photo: AFP

Burn marks inside an aircraft after a passenger tried to start a fire using petrol and a cigarette lighter. Photo: Weibo

Stay vigilant ahead of war victory parade, China's police told security departments

A worker checks on security cameras in Tiananmen Square. Photo: AFP

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