China’s laid on its biggest display of military might to commemorate victory over Japan in World War Two. The event, in Beijing, was shunned by most
China’s laid on its biggest display of military might to commemorate victory over Japan in World War Two.
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The event, in Beijing, was shunned by most Western leaders.
The country’s president announced a cut in troop numbers by 300-thousand.
China has one of the world’s biggest militaries, currently 2.3 million strong.
“China will remain committed to peaceful development. We Chinese love peace,” said President Xi Jinping.
“China will never inflict its past suffering on any other nation.”
More than 12,000 soldiers, most of them Chinese but with contingents from Russia and elsewhere, took part in the event.
It was held a day after the 70th anniversary of Tokyo’s surrender in World War Two Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe did not attend.
China’s confidence in its armed forces – and growing military assertiveness – has rattled the region and drawn criticism from Washington.