Soldiers rehearsing for next month’s military parade in Beijing on Wednesday said they would give their all on the big day — to carry forward the spirit of the War of Resistance, stay ready for their missions, and uphold world peace.

China is expected to showcase a large number of new weapons — and demonstrate a revamped military structure — at a major parade in Beijing on September 3, marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

President Xi Jinping will review the troops lining up in formations along Chang’an Avenue during the event.

Dozens of journalists from around the world were invited by the State Council Information Office to visit the parade training base.

Shi Bin, a member of the People’s Liberation Army Honour Guard who will serve as the flag bearer this year, said he felt extremely honoured to take part in the parade — especially as he will be marching at the very front of the squad.

Shi explained that as an honour guard soldier, he is already used to strict formation drills in his daily duties.

“After arriving at the parade village and going through meticulous and standardised training, everyone has been able to quickly take shape and achieve very good results,” he said.

Zhang Xu from the peacekeeping troops formation said he grew up listening to stories of resistance against the Japanese invasion.

“At the parade, my comrades and I will carry forward the great spirit of the War of Resistance, continue to perform all our tasks, remain committed to safeguarding world peace, and defend the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War," he said.

Senior Colonel Han Liming, deputy director of the office commanding the marching formations, said the parade offers a concentrated display of the PLA’s new arms and structure — reflecting the characteristics of its reformed organisation, the spirit of building a strong military in the new era, and the passing down of the legacy of the War of Resistance.