As one of the allied forces who won WWII, China's first military parade to mark the victory day will attract the world's attention. Here are some facts about the parade before it starts:
1. It is the first parade not held on China's National Day
China has held 14 military parades since the establishment of the People's Republic of China. In 1999 and 2009, grand military parades were held to celebrate the country's 50th and 60th founding anniversary.
It is an international convention to hold a parade to mark the victory day. France, Russia, and the United States are good examples of countries that do so.
France invited top leaders of the United Kingdom, Russia, the United States and others to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Normandy Landing, a watershed battle in WWII.
Russia also held a parade on May 9 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the World Anti-Fascist War in Moscow's Red Square.