China concluded its V-Day commemorations on Wednesday with the release of 80,000 doves and 80,000 balloons into the sky over the Tian'anmen Square in central Beijing, expressing the Chinese people's commitment to peace and the armed forces' unwavering resolve to defend it.
Attendees and a military choir sang together the patriotic song "Ode to the Motherland" to voice their profound love for and pride in the Chinese nation.
A massive military parade proceeded in two steps, a military review by President Xi Jinping and a march-past of troops, as part of the commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
More than 10,000 military personnel, along with over 100 aircraft and hundreds of ground armaments, were arranged into formations according to a wartime command system.
Japan officially surrendered on Sept 2, 1945, by signing the Instrument of Surrender. China designated Sept 3 as Victory Day.
China concludes V-Day commemorations with release of doves, balloons into sky
As much as 37 percent of Americans saw their debt increase during this year's holiday shopping season, with average debt rising to 1,223 U.S. dollars from 1,181 dollars last year, according to the latest holiday debt survey of LendingTree, the nation's online loan marketplace.
The survey, conducted earlier this month among more than 2,000 U.S. consumers, found that rising tariffs and higher prices have put additional pressure on household budgets.
In a statement, LendingTree's chief consumer finance analyst Matt Schulz said the strain becomes more pronounced during the holiday season, as many consumers are reluctant to change long-standing shopping traditions, even as costs rise, leading to higher debt levels.
According to the survey, 63 percent of borrowers expect it will take three months or longer to repay their holiday-related debt, while about 41 percent said they are still paying off debt from last year. Schulz warned that if borrowers need six months to a year or more to repay their balances, the situation becomes more serious due to high credit card interest rates.
Data from Bankrate show that the average U.S. credit card interest rate currently exceeds 20 percent.
Meanwhile, U.S. consumers have grown increasingly pessimistic about their financial situation. Data released on Tuesday by The Conference Board showed that the U.S. Consumer Confidence Index fell for the fifth consecutive month in December, dropping to 89.1, the lowest level since April, amid deepening anxiety over jobs and income.
Over one-third of Americans rack up holiday debt: survey
