China holds massive parade to mark 80th anniversary of WWII victory

CHINA held a massive military parade in central Beijing on Wednesday to mark the 80th anniversary of its victory in World War II, pledging the country's commitment to peaceful development in a world still fraught with turbulence and uncertainties.

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Towering structures shaped like the Great Wall stood in Tian'anmen Square, symbolising the Chinese nation's courage and solidarity in resisting foreign aggression.

Chinese President, Communist Party of China Central Committee General Secretary and Central Military Commission Chairman Xi Jinping, oversaw the parade and reviewed the troops.

Standing beside Xi on Tian'anmen Rostrum were Russian President Vladimir Putin and Democratic People's Republic of Korea top leader Kim Jong Un along with more than 20 other foreign leaders.

Representatives of people who had supported China's WWII fight, or their family members from countries such as Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada were invited to the event.

This was the second time since 2015 that China has held a military parade to commemorate the hard-won victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Helicopters flew over Tian'anmen Square carrying banners that read "Justice Prevails", "Peace Prevails", and "The People Prevail". The troops marched in tight, powerful formations, their faces lit with confidence and pride.