China's parade to mark victory of WWII beyond reproach: defense ministry

BEIJING - A Defense Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday that China's parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the victory of World War II in September follows the common practice of other countries and was beyond reproach.

Spokesperson Geng Yansheng made the comment in response to a query by Evan Medeiros, senior director for Asian affairs at the White House's National Security Council, on why China was holding such a parade.

Medeiros on Monday said that the U.S. had urged partners and allies to address history "in a very constructive, forthright way, to be honest, but also to promote healing and look to the future."

"We think that the more countries in the region that take that kind of constructive approach and let history be history, but be mindful of it, the better off the region will be in terms of its ability to cooperate," said Medeiros in a press conference.

China has announced that it would hold a military parade this year to mark the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in the 1930s-40s, and it will be part of worldwide commemorative events for the victory of World War II.

Geng rejected Medeiros' remarks, saying history should not be forgotten, justice must be done and peace should be safeguarded by all.

Without a full examination of history, it is easy to repeat past mistakes, he said at a monthly press conference.

The purpose of the parade is to remember history and martyrs, cherish peace, create the future, and show the resolve and capability of the Chinese people and people of other countries in safeguarding world peace, said Geng.

The guards of honor of the three services of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), who are scheduled to take part in the Victory Day parade in Russia, arrived in Moscow Saturday.

China's guards of honor, consisting of 112 members, is taking part in a rehearsal for the Victory Day parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Great Patriotic War, Russia's term for WWII, scheduled for May 9, said Geng.

China and Russia, as the main battlefield of Asia and Europe in WWII, made historical contributions to the eventual defeat of fascist forces and the ushering in of a new era of world peace, he said.

China will continue to make joint efforts with the international community to safeguard historical justice, the outcome of WWII as well as peace, stability and prosperity of the world.