In the days leading up to the ceremony on Wednesday, September 3, rumors of an exceptional public holiday for Beijing residents continue to circulate. This possibility is considered credible, given the steadily increasing security measures in the capital, tightly controlled to welcome 26 heads of state, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, both attending to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender, which marked the official end of World War II in Asia.
Many schools have already announced a remote start to the school year, anticipating disruptions to public transportation. Chang'an Avenue, which runs nearly 45 kilometers east to west through Beijing, will be completely locked down, along with adjacent arteries such as Wangfujing, often nicknamed the "Champs-Elysées of Beijing." Every bridge and tunnel in Beijing has been guarded by at least two security officers or soldiers for a month. A small consolation: On Sunday, August 24, fighter jets flew over the city, some releasing rainbow-colored smoke.
Authorities said that the parade will only showcase military equipment already in operational use. Among the most anticipated are Dong Feng-31 intercontinental ballistic missiles, J-20 stealth aircraft, drones, and quadruped robots. The new aircraft carrier Fujian might be officially commissioned after over two years of sea trials.
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