China says military parade will involve 12,000 troops, 200 aircraft

About 12,000 Chinese troops and soldiers from more than 10 nations, including Russia, as well as 200 aircraft will take part in a huge military parade next month marking China‘s victory over Japan in World War II, Chinese organizers of the parade said Friday.

The Sept. 3 event is expected to demonstrate China’s fast-growing military capabilities, while highlighting a rivalry between China and Japan.

It also comes as neighboring countries of China keep a wary eye on Beijing‘s increasingly assertive actions in disputed waters, including the South China Sea, sparking a series of diplomatic rows with neighbors like the Philippines and Vietnam. China is also engaged in a bitter dispute with Japan over disputed islands in the East China Sea.

Announcing military assets that will be on display during the parade, Qu Rui, deputy director of the Office of the Parade Leading Team of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, told reporters that the Sept. 3 event will “represent the new development, new achievements and new images of the building of the Chinese armed forces.”

“The number of troops participating in the parade is about 12,000,” Qu told reporters during a press conference.

“At the same time, more than 500 pieces of 40-odd types of equipment, and nearly 200 aircraft of 20-plus types will be demonstrated in the parade,” Qu said.

“All weaponry and equipment displayed are Chinese made main equipment, 84 percent of which are shown for the first time.”

Such a display of new military assets will “represent new development, new achievements and new images of the building of the Chinese armed forces,” Qu said.

About 10 countries, including Russia and Kazakhstan, will send their troops to march together with Chinese troops during the military parade, Qu said. (Yonhap)