Allies invited to WWII event
Print Edition
MILITARY representatives from foreign countries who fought with China during World War II are to be invited to march in a parade in Beijing to mark 70 years since the end of the war, China’s defense ministry said yesterday.
Spokesman Geng Yansheng told reporters that foreign government and military leaders would be invited as observers and members of their armed forces would be welcome to join the parade.
The comments were the ministry’s first official remarks on the long-anticipated event.
Geng said the parade was not to celebrate the victory, but commemorate victims of the “Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.”
“Through the military parade, China hopes to demonstrate our firm stance, join hands with the rest of the world, safeguard the victorious outcome of World War II, maintain world peace and stability and create a better future for mankind,” Geng said at a monthly news conference.
He said the parade will take place in September, but that plans are still being drawn up. September 2 is the anniversary of Japan’s formal surrender. The foreign ministry also confirmed the event but released few details.
Invitations will go out to countries that fought in the conflict as well as some with no direct connection, Geng said, without naming individual countries.
However, when asked if the United States, Britain, Australia and New Zealand would be invited, he said: “The countries you have named are the same as those which ought to be within the scope of the countries we are considering inviting.”
Geng added: “The military parade we are organizing is an international event, not only a Chinese one. So, what is different from before is that this time is we have invited some countries’ leaders to watch it, and invited some countries’ militaries to send soldiers to participate.”
He would not elaborate on exactly which countries had been invited, or if any had given a positive response. He also declined to give details on what form the parade will take. “In the past, state-level military parades have been held in Tian’anmen Square. At present I have not heard any news that it will be held elsewhere,” he said.
The participation of foreign armed forces is almost unprecedented for such events, which have taken place once every decade to mark the founding of the People’s Republic on October 1, 1949. China invited 21 vessels from 14 countries to take part in a ceremonial naval display in 2009.
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