China will hold a massive military parade showcasing some of its most advanced weaponry to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the communist state, authorities announced Thursday.
It comes as the trade war with the US threatens to engulf the international economy, with Beijing and Washington’s navies jostling for influence in Southeast Asia, and continuing unrest in Hong Kong. The military and civilian parade, held in the capital on October 1, is expected to be the biggest in its history. «We have to point out that this military parade won’t be targeted at any countries or districts and any specific incidents,” said General Cai Zhijun, a member of the Chinese Army General Staff, at a press conference in Beijing Thursday.
Cai said that the size of the military parade was not a sign of aggression and the Chinese army was “committed to safeguarding world peace and regional stability.” However, the largest army in the world “will show some advanced weapons for the first time,” he added. Chinese president Xi Jinping is also set to make “an important speech” to the nation, said Wang Xiaohui, executive vice minister of publicity in the Communist Party of China’s Central Committee.
