Honor Guard ready for Mexico independence parade

MEXICO CITY - China's Honor Guard was ready to perform at its best in the military parade marking the 203th anniversary of Mexico's independence, a senior colonel said here Thursday.

The Honor Guard would represent the country and reflect the character of China's army in the parade, to be held in the capital on September 16, said the guard's leader, Li Bentao, in an exclusive interview with Xinhua at Mexico's Heroic Military Academy.

According to Li, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) unit has been practicing with their counterparts from 17 other countries for the event.

The parade will also mark the 100th anniversary of the Mexican Army.

The Chinese Honor Guard has 25 members with an average age of 21 and represents the army, navy and air force.

The Chinese soldiers' performance had won praise from parade commander Mexican General Jose Miguel Vargas, Li said.

"Vargas said China's honor guard has the highest quality, best discipline and understanding. Mexico's independence anniversary will become more successful, with China's participation," he said.

Li said the parade, a platform for all participating units to communicate and cooperate, was a good chance for China's Honor Guard to show the PLA's "integrity, uprightness and orderliness" as well as their determination to pursue peace.

The PLA Honor Guard participated in the parade once before, in 2010.