High-level and diverse foreign delegations attending China's V-Day commemorations in Beijing demonstrate international recognition of China's contributions during the World War II, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Hong Lei said on Thursday.
China will stage a grand military parade on September 3 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, 26 foreign leaders will attend the V-Day commemorations in Beijing, Hong said during a press briefing, adding that at the invitation of the Chinese government, heads of parliaments, deputy prime ministers and high-level representatives from various countries, heads of international organizations, and former political dignitaries will attend the V-Day commemorations.
According to Hong, a total of 50 persons, including the friendly personages and representatives of these family members, will attend the commemorations. They are from 14 countries, such as Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Canada.
"The foreign guests participating in this year's commemorative events mainly feature three characteristics. First, the high level of representation, with many heads of state and government. It demonstrates the great importance that countries place on this event hosted by China and their friendship toward our nation," said Hong.
"Second, strong representativeness, with participants spanning five continents. It reflects broad international recognition of China's historical contributions during the war and its global significance," he said.
"Third, extensive participation, including both official and civilian representatives. Many of the international friends or their descendants are household names in China, and some attended the 70th-anniversary commemorations in China a decade ago. We warmly welcome them to Beijing to join us in solemnly commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War," Hong said.
China welcomes high-level, diverse foreign delegations to attend China's V-Day commemorations
