After holding a massive military parade in the morning to mark 80 years since the end of World War II and showcase its growing military might and rising diplomatic stature, China held a gala at the Great Hall of the People, reinforcing its narrative about the second world war.
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The hour-and-a-half commemorative gala began at 8pm Wednesday, with President Xi Jinping and members of the Politburo greeting several surviving Chinese veterans of World War II. Their handshakes drew warm applause, underscoring the evening’s emphasis on remembrance.
Most of these veterans were over 90 years old, and this was likely their last time taking part in the Victory Day parade. One veteran of the Nationalist Party (KMT) also attended the gala. Xi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had shaken hands with them during the military parade on Wednesday morning.
No foreign leaders attended the evening gala.
Titled “Justice Will Prevail”, the gala featured five themed programmes and 18 chapters, blending song, dance, poetry and drama. It depicted China’s 14-year struggle against Japanese aggression and its ultimate victory from the perspective of the Communist Party.
Several popular Chinese actors took part in the gala, which featured scenes reminiscent of the Communist Party’s headquarters, Yan’an, during the war years.
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