Thousands take part in preparations to mark 80 years since the defeat of Japanese forces

The rehearsal took place from Saturday evening to early Sunday morning near Tiananmen Square in the heart of the Chinese capital, state news agency Xinhua reported on Sunday.

The parade is scheduled for September 3 and will be part of events for the 80th anniversary of the day that China marks its triumph over the Japanese invasion and the global victory against fascism.

It will take place along Changan Avenue and travel through Tiananmen Square, where President Xi Jinping is.

According to Xinhua, the rehearsal featured the “commemorative assembly” and “comprehensively tested organisational support and command operations”.