Beijing's Tian'anmen Square buzzed with precision and purpose over the weekend as China completed its second full-scale rehearsal for a major September event marking the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
Approximately 40,000 participants engaged in the 10-hour overnight drill, testing logistical coordination and ceremonial sequences ahead of the September 3 gathering. Organizers confirmed the rehearsal successfully incorporated additional program elements compared to the first trial, with all components operating in synchronized fashion under military-grade coordination.
The upcoming commemoration will feature a military parade and cultural presentations honoring historical sacrifices while showcasing modern China's development. As night fell on the iconic square, floodlit formations rehearsed movements that will eventually be witnessed by global leaders and broadcast worldwide.
This anniversary holds particular significance as a bridge between China's wartime legacy and its contemporary international role. For historians and policymakers, the event offers insights into Beijing's historical narratives. Business analysts will watch for indicators of civil-military coordination capabilities, while diaspora communities anticipate cultural displays reflecting shared wartime memories.
