China to Host Victory Day Parade Amid Diplomatic Row with Japan
Beijing, August 28 – China announced on Thursday that 26 foreign leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, will attend its Victory Day celebrations on September 3. The event, which China describes as commemorating its resistance against Japanese aggression during World War II, has sparked a diplomatic row with Japan.
As per agency report Tokyo has urged world leaders not to participate, arguing that the parade reflects “anti-Japan sentiments.” In response, Beijing lodged a diplomatic protest, stressing that Japan must acknowledge its wartime past and respect the sentiments of China and other victimized nations if it truly wishes to move beyond historical disputes.
China’s Vice Foreign Minister Hong Lei confirmed that the parade would mark the 80th anniversary of victory in both the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the global fight against fascism. The military parade in Beijing will follow the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit scheduled for August 31 and September 1 in Tianjin.
Leaders expected to attend the SCO summit include Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. From South Asia, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu will participate.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also scheduled to attend the SCO summit in Tianjin after a two-day visit to Japan. China is seeking to extend invitations to these leaders for its parade as well, further fueling Japan’s discontent.
Reports from Japanese media suggested that Tokyo, through its embassies abroad, urged other nations to reconsider participation, citing concerns that the event highlights lingering hostilities. However, Beijing has dismissed this stance, emphasizing that the ceremony is a rightful commemoration of history.
The upcoming events are expected to attract global attention, not only for their symbolic significance but also for the high-profile gathering of world leaders amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
