Opinion     

A parade celebration 70 years late

Xinhua, June 25, 2015

• China has announced a parade through Tian'anmen Square on Sept. 3, a glorious event that has been 70 years in the making.

  The parade commemorating the end of World War II, will feature veterans, families of the fallen and possibly foreign militaries and leaders.

  The war may have ended in 1945, but the Chinese nation is paying a solemn tribute to millions of people sacrificed for the first time.

  President Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, will speak at the event and present medals to representatives of war veterans and relatives of the dead.

  Honor has finally come for the veterans, most of whom are over 90. As soldiers who had risked their lives fighting for freedom, they have long hoped for such state recognition. More veterans pass away every day, and for many, this anniversary will be the last they see.

  Kuomintang (KMT) veterans have also been invited to take part in the parade, demonstrating the CPC's respect for history, fully recognizing the contribution by the KMT to China's victory. Japan signed its formal surrender on Sept. 2, 1945 but KMT forces led by Chiang Kai-shek, were defeated in a civil war by the CPC and fled to Taiwan in 1949.

  Active Chinese units, including the Eighth Route Army, New Fourth Army, Northeast China Anti-Japanese United Forces and South China Guerrillas, will be reviewed in the parade. Equipment and armaments on show will be mainly domestic and in active service, many of which will be having their first public outing.

  The Chinese people's war against Japanese aggression was a significant part of the WWII as the major oriental theater. China defeated the Japanese invaders, killing more than 1.5 million their troops, as a concerted aspect of the Allied campaign, and paid a great price, with more than 35 million casualties.

  It is hoped that countries can shelve their differences at this time and promote a diverse international society of exchange and integration, abandoning prejudice just as they did in World War II and fighting side by side for a future of common destiny.

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