BEIJING -- A militia formation will be part of the grand military parade scheduled for Sept 3 in Tian'anmen Square, downtown Beijing, to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, a senior military officer announced Tuesday.

This is the first time China's militia forces will take part in a major military parade commemorating the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, Wu Zeke with the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission said at a press conference.