Chinese defense minister attends Russian V-Day parade

The Guard of Honor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) take part in the military parade marking the 75th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War on Red Square in Moscow, Russia, June 24, 2020. (Xinhua/Evgeny Sinitsyn)

Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe on Wednesday attended a military parade marking the 75th anniversary of the victory of the Great Patriotic War here in Red Square. Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech at the event, and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reviewed the troops.

The parade, which lasted for one hour and 15 minutes, involved some 14,000 soldiers, more than 200 units of weapons and military equipment, and 75 warplanes and helicopters.

Along with troops from other guest countries, 105 members of the Guard of Honor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) participated in the parade, making it the second time for the PLA guard of honor to join the Victory Day parade in Russia. The first time came in 2015.

As the international community is working together to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the participation of a high-level Chinese delegation and the PLA guard of honor in the parade has demonstrated the high level of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic coordination.

The visit has also deepened mutual trust and cooperation between the two militaries, showcased the two countries' clear position of preserving the outcome of World War II victory and safeguarding international fairness and justice, and boosted the in-depth development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era.