China marks 75th anniversary of anti-Japanese war

China on Thursday commemorated the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II in the Pacific, during which it endured a brutal invasion and occupation of much of its territory by Japan.

Communist Party leader President Xi Jinping led government officials in a moment of silence and the presentation of floral wreaths at a memorial hall dedicated to soldiers and civilians in Beijing.

The relatively low-key commemoration reflects social distancing rules in place during the coronavirus outbreak and contrasts sharply with how China has marked other significant anniversaries, including a lavish military parade through the centre of Beijing last October 1 to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic.

Although Japan formally surrendered aboard the USS Missouri on September 2, 1945, China marks the end of the war on September 3 when it first held nationwide celebrations.

(Image Credit Pixabay)