China is set to showcase its military might in a parade commemorating the defeat of Japan in World War Two.
Some 12,000 troops and 200 aircraft, as well as tanks and missiles, will go on display in Tiananmen Square in Beijing.
More than 80% of the machinery will be shown in public for the first time, state media said.
China's growing military capabilities will be keenly watched amid geo-political tensions in the region.
China's growing military capabilities will be keenly watched amid geo-political tensions in the region.
President Xi Jinping, who is also commander of the armed forces, will be centre stage at the proceedings along with more than 30 foreign government officials and heads of state.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, South Korea's President Park Geun-hye and, controversially, UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon will be the biggest names in attendance.
Many major leaders, including from the US, UK, Australia and Japan, have shunned the event.
"During a period of strained relations between China and Japan, as well as increasing military tension in the Asia-Pacific region, some leaders are reluctant to be associated with what they may view as a nationalistic, anti-Japanese mass rally," said Alexander Neill from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in Singapore.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, South Korea's President Park Geun-hye and, controversially, UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon will be the biggest names in attendance.
Many major leaders, including from the US, UK, Australia and Japan, have shunned the event.
"During a period of strained relations between China and Japan, as well as increasing military tension in the Asia-Pacific region, some leaders are reluctant to be associated with what they may view as a nationalistic, anti-Japanese mass rally," said Alexander Neill from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in Singapore.
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