Russia holds rehearsal for Victory Day parade

Russia on Tuesday held a nightly rehearsal for the Victory Day Parade scheduled on May 9 in Moscow, offering a glimpse into the grand event marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Starting at 16:30 local time, streets and areas around Red Square were progressively closed to traffic, with military vehicles assembling on Tverskaya Street in preparation for the rehearsal. Residents expressed their expectations for the parade.

"First and foremost, we are looking forward to the aerial displays," said a local resident.

"Overall, first of all, I am proud of my country, and at the same time, I am proud of my ancestors because we won," said another spectator.

The rehearsal officially began at 22:00, with marching column preceding the display of military equipment. Led by the legendary T-34 tank, the parade of equipment, showcased a variety of modern military technology, including the Geranium drones, Iskander ballistic missiles and Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Besides, guards of honor from 12 countries, including China, Kazakhstan, and Vietnam, also joined the rehearsal. The Guard of Honor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) sang patriotic song "Ode to the Motherland," drawing warm welcome and enthusiastic applause from locals and overseas Chinese in Russia.

Additional rehearsals are scheduled for May 3 and a final dressed rehearsal for May 7 before the official parade commences at 10:00 local time on May 9 on Red Square.

Russia holds rehearsal for Victory Day parade

Russia holds rehearsal for Victory Day parade

The Japanese intruder who broke into the Embassy of China in Japan on Tuesday morning was arrested by the police later the same day, with more information about the case disclosed, according to local media.

The intruder has been identified as Kodai Murata, 23, a second lieutenant in Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF), stationed at Camp Ebino in Miyazaki Prefecture, according to Kyodo News, citing Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. A second lieutenant is the lowest officer rank within the GSDF.

The suspect allegedly entered the premises of the Chinese embassy at around 09:00 local time, carrying a knife and shouting threatening words. He was initially detained by embassy staff and later arrested by police on suspicion of unlawful entry, the report said.

The man admitted that his act was illegal and he also threatened to kill Chinese diplomatic personnel in the so-called "name of god." The GSDF said it would cooperate fully with the police and deal with the case "strictly," proceeding "based on facts."

According to the Chinese embassy in Japan, a man claiming to be "an active-duty officer of the Japan Self-Defense Forces" forcibly broke into the embassy by climbing over a wall on Tuesday morning, threatening to kill Chinese diplomatic personnel.

The embassy has lodged solemn representations and a strong protest with the Japanese side, demanding that Japan provide a responsible explanation.

Intruder to Chinese embassy in Japan arrested, more information disclosed