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China’s military drills
ChinaMilitary

Central Beijing blocked off for China’s WWII anniversary parade rehearsal

Thousands take part in preparations to mark 80 years since the defeat of Japanese forces

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Police officers talk to motorists at a barricaded road near Changan Avenue in Beijing on Saturday, with preparations under way for a military parade in September. Photo: AP
Yuanyue Dangin Beijing
Around 22,000 people poured into central Beijing on the weekend to take part in security preparations and rehearsals for a massive military parade next month to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The rehearsal took place from Saturday evening to early Sunday morning near Tiananmen Square in the heart of the Chinese capital, state news agency Xinhua reported on Sunday.

The parade is scheduled for September 3 and will be part of events for the 80th anniversary of the day that China marks its triumph over the Japanese invasion and the global victory against fascism.

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It will take place along Changan Avenue and travel through Tiananmen Square, where President Xi Jinping is.

According to Xinhua, the rehearsal featured the “commemorative assembly” and “comprehensively tested organisational support and command operations”.

Policemen disembark from a bus in central Beijing on Saturday to prepare for a rehearsal for a military parade next month. Photo: AP
Policemen disembark from a bus in central Beijing on Saturday to prepare for a rehearsal for a military parade next month. Photo: AP
The People’s Liberation Army is expected to use the event to highlight its modernisation efforts, showcasing its latest weapons and equipment.
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