China has made a major decision over its V-Day military parade that could have huge implications on its relationship with Taiwan and the threat of a wider global conflict. The event will take take over Beijing’s Tian’anmen Square next week – and it looks like the invites have already been sent out.
V-Day this year will mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second Sino-Japanese War and Japan’s surrender in World War Two, which combined cost the lives of more than 35 million Chinese civilians and soldiers. It also marks 80 years since Taiwan was transferred from Japanese occupation to rule by the Republic of China.
Not only is the event an opportunity to look back on arguably the most influential period in Asian history, but Xi Jinping will also use it as an opportunity show off China’s military might. The coveted ‘Guam Killer’ ballistic missile, which is said to be able to reach the strategic American territory, is expected to be showcased in the capital amid rising global tensions.
China and Taiwan have a frought relationship, with the island determiend to go its own way despite Chines claims to the territory. Over the past few years, countless reports have hinted thaat the People’s Liberation Army’s is preparing an attempted invasion despite being warned off by the US and its allies.
Despite this, however, an invite has been issued by China to Taiwanese officils to attend the V-Day military parade on September. 3
Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a press conference this week that it is an occasion brought together by all the Chinese people, including those from Taiwan, who also made sacrifices and great contributions to the war effort.
She called on people on both sides of the Strait to remember history, honor the martyrs, promote the great spirit of patriotism, and jointly advance the cause of national reunification, creating a bright future for national rejuvenation.
The 70-minute parade will proceed in two steps: a military review by President Xi Jinping and a march-past of troops in Tian’anmen Square, according to a military officer.
Troops participating in the parade will be lining up in formations along Chang’an Avenue in Beijing, and they will be reviewed by Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the CMC, said Wu Zeke, deputy director of the Office of the Leading Group for the Military Parade and a senior officer of the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission.
A total of 45 formations and echelons will be involved in the grand parade, Wu said, adding that during the parade march-past, airborne flag-guarding echelons, foot formations, battle flag formations, armament columns and aerial echelons will pass through or fly across Tian’anmen Square in order.
Wu stated in June that the parade will feature “new-type combat capabilities” as well as a speech by CCP General Secretary Xi Jinping. The event is expected to attract a large number of foreign dignitaries, due to its proximity to the 2025 Tianjin SCO summit.
