China held a grand gathering, including a military parade, in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of victory on Sept 3.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. For China, the anniversary is not just about revisiting the past.
As Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized, “Remembering history does not mean being obsessed with the past. Rather, in doing so, we aim to create a better future and pass the torch of peace from generation to generation.”
Representatives of those who had supported China’s fight in World War II, or their family members, were invited to the event.
Helicopters flew over Tian’anmen Square carrying banners that read “Justice Prevails,” “Peace Prevails,” and “The People Prevail.”
More than 10,000 military personnel, along with over 100 aircraft and hundreds of ground armaments, were arranged into formations.
The advanced armaments put on display included unmanned intelligence and counter-unmanned equipment, and strategic weaponry capable of global strikes.
Chinese soldiers who have participated in UN peacekeeping operations marked their first appearance in the parade.
80,000 doves symbolizing peace soared into the sky, followed by 80,000 balloons, as the parade wrapped up.
According to analysts, for China, the message of Sept 3 extends beyond remembrance at home. It is also a call to the world: to value peace and to work together for a better future.
Written by Sha Liu, additional reporting by Xinhua, China Daily and CGTN.
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