Beijing's Tiananmen Square buzzed with historical resonance this week as 40,000 participants completed an overnight rehearsal for the upcoming 80th anniversary commemorations of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
The meticulously coordinated rehearsal, held from 5:30 p.m. on August 16 to 3:30 a.m. the following day, marks a critical preparation phase for the landmark event. Organizers confirmed the exercise achieved all planned objectives, though specific program details remain under wraps.
This anniversary holds profound significance across Asia, commemorating the 1945 conclusion of a conflict that reshaped the region's geopolitical landscape. The upcoming ceremony is expected to highlight themes of historical remembrance and multilateral cooperation, reflecting on lessons from the global anti-fascist alliance.
Observers note the scale of preparations underscores China's commitment to preserving historical memory while fostering international dialogue. The event comes amid renewed global interest in WWII's Asian theater, where over 35 million Chinese casualties were recorded during Japan's invasion from 1931-1945.
