China, Russia to stage WWII victory events

State leaders from China and Russia are to attend commemorations in both countries marking victory in World War II, Beijing confirmed on Friday.

Russia's top envoy to China said on Thursday that the leaders would attend military parades in the two countries later this year.

Russian Ambassador Andrey Denisov made the remarks to a Hong Kong newspaper after earlier reports said China would stage a rare military parade this year to mark the 70th anniversary of victory in the war.