President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is to attend China's World War II victory parade in Beijing on September 3, 2015, a Chinese official said Wednesday. The official stated that 81 personnel of the Egyptian Honor guard are to participate for the first time in Beijing's parade. The military parade is to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of China's victory in World War II. The parade is known as "Commemoration of 70th Anniversary of Victory of Chinese People's Resistance against Japanese Aggression and World Anti-Fascist War." It will showcase the People's Liberation Army's rapidly growing capabilities at a time when Beijing is asserting territorial claims in the South China Sea and East China Sea. According to China's Xinhua, the Chinese military plans to show seven types of long-, intermediate- and short-range missiles at the parade. China says the parade is about marking the 70th anniversary of Japan's World War II surrender and demonstrating its commitment to peace. Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia, Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj of Mongolia, Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt and Milos Zeman of the Czech Republic have accepted invitations to attend. The official added that Sisi's visit to China - which is the second- affirms Egypt's political support for China, clarifying that Egypt and China are important strategic partners in the world. On other side, Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister Ambassador Yasser Morad stated that Sisi's visit to China conveys important political message. The two parties will have bilateral discussions to enhance the mutual cooperation in all fields.
