China soldiers land in Russia for 70th WWII anniversary

By Xinhua – Agencies Source:Xinhua – Agencies Published: 2015-4-27 0:33:01

Over 100 Chinese honor guards, who are scheduled to take part in Russia's Victory Day parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of the World War II on May 9, arrived in Moscow Saturday, the Chinese embassy in the country told Xinhua.

According to the embassy, about 110 Chinese servicemen arrived in the Russian capital at around noon and will spend the next few days preparing for the upcoming military parade in Red Square.

Russia is to hold grand celebrations to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the country and its allies' victory in the Great Patriotic War, Russia's name for WWII, on May 9.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich announced Friday that the leaders of 26 countries have confirmed their participation in the event. Moscow has also asked 16 countries to send military units to take part in the commemoration.

As of press time the militaries of ten countries have confirmed their participation.

WWII veterans from former Soviet republics, other countries that were part of the anti-Axis coalition and Israel will also take part in the celebrations. But leaders from US, UK, Germany and France will not be making an appearance.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will be attending, Russia's TASS state news agency reported Saturday, citing a UN source.

The scheduled celebrations include a military parade, an evening concert in Red Square and a reception at the Grand Kremlin Palace.



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