China's military parade marking 80th victory anniversary to feature historical elements

China's military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People's victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War highlights the theme of victory against Japanese aggression, incorporating historical elements, said one of the top organizers of the commemoration.

At a press conference held by China's State Council Information Office on Tuesday, Wu Zeke, a major general and deputy director of the Leading Group Office of Military Parade, introduced the arrangements for the military parade on September 3 at the Tian'anmen Square in Beijing.

The military parade, which is an institutional arrangement for major national memorial events, is a vital part of this year's commemorative event with great political and far-reaching historical significance. Highlighting the theme of victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the parade focus on theme of victory and the spirit of war of resistance and integrates the three major elements into the overall design of the event, Wu said.

"First is to carry forward the legacy of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The participating troops are mainly chosen from the units with historical ties to troops involved in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, including major forces like the Eighth Route Army, the New Fourth Army, the Northeast United Army, and the South China Guerrilla Forces. This fully reflects the arduous journey of the people's army against Japanese aggression and underscores the historical inheritance of the revolutionary traditions," said Wu.

"Second is to respect honors and pride. The parade will feature selected banners of honor awarded to military units during the war of resistance, highlighting the great victories and enduring contributions of the people's army in the war. This is also a tribute to revolutionary martyrs, a reminder of the lasting memories of those troops with great merits and honors, and a reaffirmation of the commitment to upholding fine traditions," he said. "Third is to relive historical classics. We established a joint military band to perform well-known songs of the war of resistance, and specially designed signs for the military parade. These elements aim to help people across the country to revisit the history of the war of resistance and reflect on its spirit, and inspire the people's army to resolutely defend the dignity of the country and the nation," he said.

China's military parade marking 80th victory anniversary to feature historical elements

The Republic of Korea (ROK)'s former impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol on Friday was sentenced to five years in prison on arrest obstruction charges.

The criminal division of the Seoul Central District Court in charge of Yoon's obstruction of justice case handed down the prison sentence to Yoon for abusing the presidential security service to hinder the anti-corruption agency from executing its arrest warrant in January 2025.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) was once thwarted in its attempt to arrest Yoon as the presidential security service formed human shields and bus blockades to prevent investigators from entering the presidential residence.

The team of Cho Eun-suk, an independent counsel who led investigations into Yoon's insurrection and other charges, demanded a 10-year prison term for Yoon.

The court said Yoon privatized the presidential security service for personal safety and private interests by blocking the law enforcement agencies' lawful execution of an arrest warrant and attempting to destroy evidence, pointing out that despite the very bad nature of his crime, he consistently offered unconvincing excuses and showed no remorse.

The court stressed that severe punishment was necessary, considering the need to restore the rule of law damaged by Yoon's crime, but it noted that the fact that he was a first-time offender with no criminal record was considered a favorable factor.

The sentencing, which was broadcast live, was Yoon's first verdict coming from his botched martial law bid.

The first-instance sentencing for Yoon's insurrection charges was scheduled for Feb 19. The special counsel sought a death penalty for Yoon on the charges.

Yoon declared emergency martial law on the night of Dec 3 in 2024, but it was revoked hours later by the National Assembly.

The constitutional court upheld a motion to impeach Yoon in April 2025, officially removing him from office.

The ousted leader was indicted while in detention in January 2025 on charges of leading an insurrection, becoming the first sitting ROK president facing such prosecution.

ROK ex-president Yoon sentenced to 5 years in prison on arrest obstruction charges