At least 10 foreign armies will participate in China's military parade scheduled for Sept. 3 in Beijing to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, a military official said on Friday.[Special coverage]
"At least 10 countries, including Russia and Kazakhstan, have decided to send military contingents and representatives to the parade," said Qu Rui, deputy chief of the Operations Department of the General Staff Headquarters of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
Foreign troops have already arrived at the parade training base and are training with their Chinese counterparts, he said.
Qu was tight-lipped about which other countries have decided to participate, only saying that they include nations from Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania and the Americas.
"Their participation in the parade is a clear indication of their willingness to jointly commemorate victory in the World Anti-fascist War, and a symbol of the pursuit of and hope for lasting world peace," he said.
Foreign WWII veterans, including those from the former Soviet Union, will also attend the parade.
Prof. Qiao Liang, with the National Defense University PLA China, told Xinhua that the participation of foreign armies will remind people that WWII victory was won through the efforts and sacrifice of many countries.
"Seven decades ago, peace-loving countries across the world fought together against fascists and won. Today, we also need to work together to safeguard peace," Qiao said. The world should not forget that, with a casualty count of more than 35 million military personnel and civilians, Chinese fought alongside other countries, he said.
Other nations helped in China's 14-year resistance against Japanese invasion.
"The invitation of WWII veterans from other countries is a way for China to extend its solemn gratitude and tribute," said Peng Guangqian, deputy secretary-general of the Council for National Security Policy Studies.
Major General Wang Shun, who is deputy commander of the parade, meanwhile told journalists on Friday that foreign troops training in Beijing will enjoy an easy stay in China, with buffet meals in both Chinese and Western styles and free WiFi.
Their dormitories are equipped with laundry rooms, phone booths, foreign exchange services as well as football fields and swimming pools, he said, adding that buses have been arranged for group outings, he said.
China has so far held 14 military parades, all to mark the country's National Day celebrations.
The Sept. 3 parade will be the first to commemorate the anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and WWII. It is also the first time that foreign armies will participate in a military parade in China.
According to Qu, the parade will include more than 10,000 Chinese troops, who will pass the symbolic Tiananmen Rostrum in the heart of Beijing, either on foot or in vehicles, while close to 200 military aircraft fly in formations overhead.
China will also show its military sophistication by rolling out 27 armament formations. About 84 percent of the weaponry and equipment has never been shown to the public before, Qu said.
