What holidays are celebrated in May in China? China will celebrate “Victory Day over Japan.” Japan is concerned about China's rising military spending September 2 Victory Day celebrations in China

Most of our compatriots believe that the largest and bloodiest war in human history ended on May 9, 1945. However, the Chinese - quite rightly - celebrate this event every year in September.

The date of the end of hostilities between China and Japan during the Second World War in the PRC was recognized as one of the most important public holidays relatively recently. Since 2015, when the whole world celebrated the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, the country's leadership declared September 3 as National Remembrance Day. From this moment on, the round anniversaries of Victory Day over militaristic Japan, like previously similar dates, began to be celebrated with a large military parade in the capital's Tiananmen Square and large-scale actions throughout the country.

Chinese Victory Day is actually one day away from the official end of World War I - the surrender of Imperial Japan, which took place on September 2, 1945 on board the American battleship Missouri. Although China does not appear on lists of the most important combat theaters of the Great War, its people endured ordeals comparable to those suffered by the multinational USSR. Many modern historians begin counting the events of the First World War precisely from July 1937, when China was subjected to Japanese aggression. During the eight years of military disaster, between 21 and 35 million Chinese became victims.

By the way. The date September 3, in relation to the events of the First World War, was also celebrated in the Soviet Union. Ever since the end of the war, this day was declared a holiday in honor of the USSR's victory over Japan. Although May 9 is not one of the public holidays in China today, “Russian” Victory Day is also solemnly celebrated on the streets and squares of many cities in the Middle Kingdom.

An impressive parade was held in Beijing to commemorate the signing of the Act of Unconditional Surrender of Japan. Not only Chinese, but also foreign military personnel, including Russian ones, took part in it.

Among the guests of honor is the President of Russia, with whom the Chinese leader already celebrated Victory Day on May 9. Journalists note that there were no high-ranking US representatives at the parade in Beijing, despite the fact that China sent official invitations to all participants in the anti-Hitler coalition.

In Beijing, you won’t understand what is more interesting - the parade itself or what happens before it starts. The huge Tiananmen Square begins to fill up in the dark. Guests are allowed into the stands from three in the morning, that is, seven hours before the parade. All this time the guests are waiting for it to start. And then everything is similar to what happens in Moscow on May 9. At exactly 10 a.m. local time, the square comes to a standstill.

And then - 70 gun salvos, under which cars with World War II veterans drive into the square. Their grandchildren accompany them to the stands, just like on Red Square in Moscow. And they watch the parade from start to finish, patiently enduring the 37-degree heat that is in Beijing these days. Here, even on the occasion of this heat, for the anniversary of the Victory, they released ice cream that offended Japan in the form of officers of the Kwantung Army, which attacked China during World War II and was defeated in 1945. However, nothing like this happened directly at the parade. Everyone, even high-ranking guests, was given colorful, bright baseball caps.

Preparations for the Parade took many months and sometimes included exotic things. Thus, according to Chinese newspapers, in order to prevent birds from getting into the aircraft engines during the air parade, specially trained monkeys were released in parks along the route to destroy nests. And the fact that dozens of industries were stopped around Beijing, and smog disappeared for a while over the capital, was not hidden in China.

How much equipment was ready for the ceremonial march was clearly visible from the helicopter. Officially, more than 500 units of military equipment and 12 thousand military personnel took part in the parade. The head of China personally met all the guests, and about 30 leaders arrived - among them UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and the head of South Korea, Park Keng-hye, Alexander Lukashenko with his son Kolya, Nursultan Nazarbayev, Emomali Rahmon and others.

Xi Jinping was the last to greet Vladimir Putin as a special guest. Moreover, at this time Tiananmen Square, where the welcoming ceremony was broadcast on huge screens, began to applaud.

There were also some sensational statements. The Chinese leader, noting the role of the anti-Hitler coalition in the overall Victory, unexpectedly announced at the parade the reduction of his army.

“I announce that China will reduce the size of its army by 300 thousand people. Our country strives for peace and will steadily follow this path. China will never seek hegemony or engage in expansion,” Xi Jinping said.

However, even after the reduction, the Chinese army will remain one of the largest - 2 million people.

It is customary in China that the parade is personally hosted by the head of state. Moreover, when driving around troops, the car not only does not stop, as happens, for example, during parades on Red Square, but does not even slow down in front of one or another unit. Otherwise, greeting such a huge number of troops would take too long.

The main elements of the parade were kept secret until the last moment. As a result, as the Chinese promised, they showed off several of their latest developments - from fighter jets, some of which were flown by the first female pilots in Chinese history, to intercontinental ballistic missiles, including the Dongfeng-21. This is the only missile in the world capable of overcoming the defense systems of aircraft carrier groups, maneuvering when approaching a target at a speed 10 times the speed of sound. It is not for nothing that in the United States it has already been dubbed the “aircraft carrier killer.”

And also the latest drones, a heavy tank and anti-aircraft systems with an unusual camouflage blue coloring for use in the highlands. The Chinese meticulously calculated: in the parade formation both on the ground and in the sky - 84% of new products.

Along with the discussion of the latest Chinese technology, everyone was talking about the unique serviceman who set a record before the parade. The fact is that according to Chinese traditions, military personnel in the ranks are forbidden to blink. The record holder did not blink for 57 minutes. Another novelty is the women's ambulance battalion in a new, very attractive uniform.

For the first time, military personnel from other countries were also invited to participate in the parade in China. Before this, foreigners had not marched through the center of Beijing, but today there were representatives of 17 states at once - Mexicans and Mongols, Serbs and Egyptians, the military of Cuba, Cambodia, Belarus, Kazakhstan... The entire walking parade in Beijing was completed by the Russians, as especially honored guests. Moreover, they did not march in a separate parade box, like everyone else, but in three columns according to the types of troops. They decided to change the general parade system in China as a sign of respect for our country, which liberated it back in 1945.

There has never been such a parade in China before today. In the stands are tens of thousands of guests, thousands of journalists from all over the world. We have to work shoulder to shoulder. Russian journalists are in a privileged position; Russian representatives are treated with great respect here.

The uniqueness of the parade is that it has never been held on September 3 in China before. The end of World War II was celebrated here, but not so widely. And parades on the main square of the country, Tiananmen, were held only on the day of the founding of the People's Republic of China, that is, October 1, and even then only on round dates. The last one was in 2009 on the sixtieth anniversary of the People's Republic of China. But today everything is different.

In September 1945, by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, September 3, the day of the end of World War II and Victory over Japan, was declared a non-working day in our country in honor of the holiday. How important this date was can be judged even by the medals that were awarded to our soldiers in 1945 for the victory over Germany and for the victory over Japan. Both there and there on the medal there is a profile of Stalin. But on one he looks towards the west - defeated Germany, and on the other - towards the east, towards Japan. This medal, on the reverse of which is the date September 3, 1945, was awarded to all Soviet soldiers who fought here and defeated the Kwantung Army that occupied China. Today our veterans of that war were also invited to the parade in Beijing.

“I was in the 5th Army of the 3rd Belorussian Front near Koenigsberg. As Koenigsberg was taken, our entire army was transported to the Far East. On the very first day of the offensive there was downpour, torrential rain, all the roads, rice fields became soggy, the tanks went and got stuck “, the Chinese came out from every village, helped to drag tanks and cars, they helped us in any way they could,” recalls Makhmut Gareev, a veteran of the Great Patriotic War, a retired army general, and a participant in the Manchurian operation.

Today Makhmut Gareev, who fought in these places 70 years ago, received a memorable award from the hands of the head of China. And after the parade, which ended with thousands of doves being released into the air, symbolizing the desire for peace, and then multi-colored balloons, Xi Jinping gave a gala reception in honor of all the guests who came to celebrate together the date of the end of the worst war in history humanity. Journalists noticed that he spent most of this reception talking about something with Vladimir Putin.

Chinese people are considered among the most hardworking in the world. And in fact: they are able to work from dawn to dusk. But in a series of busy everyday life there is always a break. Nowadays there are 115 weekends a year.

Main and regular

The most important holiday is the founding of the People's Republic of China. Then comes the New Year, also the Dragon Boat Festival and also the Mid-Autumn Festival. The Chinese truly revere them. On the most significant of them they rest for a long time, up to a whole week.

And on some weekends work is not suspended at all. Although they are also highlighted in a different color on the calendar, just like in May. These are the Days of Tree Planting and Children, as well as the founding of the Communist Party of the People's Republic of China. Add professionals - journalists, teachers, nurses. And during the Lantern Festival, by the way, people walk the most. After all, it is positioned in such a way on the calendar that it smoothly transitions into

Time for business, time for fun

The hard work of the Chinese is legendary. And this is one of the components of the fact that in recent years the country has been simply amazing at the very rapid pace of development of its economy. For example, in just thirty years, the inconspicuous fishing village of Shenzhen, which is located near Hong Kong (in the south of the country), has been transformed into a metropolis! And even to a major world center

With such a heavy workload, Chinese workers usually have only 5-15 days of legal vacation. That’s why national holidays are an additional chance to relax and travel.

You should also take into account that on some weekends you are allowed to work only half a day. Then - go home. So this is not such a great joy at all...

Here's an example: On May 4, boys and girls in schools and universities do not study during the second half of their allotted day off. And those serving in the army on August 1 can also spend part of the day as they wish. This is the Liberation Army Day of the People's Republic of China. And on March 8, women are released from work exactly half a shift earlier.

Cities are transforming

During short, but still special days, including when the May holidays are celebrated in China, it is very noticeable how traffic increases. It would seem that it should be the other way around. But we must take into account that, firstly, the townspeople actively go on various tourist trips. And the demand for this continues unabated.

Secondly, the Chinese, who permanently reside in the provinces but work in big cities, come to their hometowns on holidays to spend free time with family and friends. Then the reverse process occurs. Now buses rush people to their place of permanent work.

Short but fun

You ask: “What are the holidays in May in China?” It's three days off.

First of all, May 1st is a holiday in China - Labor Day. A short vacation, only one day. But they spend it fun. Once upon a time, the whole week was allotted for this festivities. However, later the duration of the holidays was cut. True, new ones have been added to the list. There is the Dragon Boat Festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and All Souls' Day. Of course, the total number of days off has increased. And people began to rest, if not more each time, but more often.

So, you already know that May 1 is a holiday dedicated to labor in China. How does it usually go? Party leaders and business executives make speeches at the meetings. Then the best frontline workers are rewarded. And for a snack - a gala concert.

Tourists, grab discounts!

This is no longer an innovation. It has long become commonplace that on the eve of the May holidays in China, almost all travel agencies publish their lists of local attractions. For what? But because visiting them on holidays will cost less for those who wish. Savings are about 20 percent.

And the discount marathon really begins. Not only that, all provinces of the country take part in it. Many people want to take advantage of such benefits and get into, for example, a Chinese museum. Or admire the Lushan National Park. Look at the Wuyi Mountains. And some people enjoy climbing into the Yungang cave grotto in Shanxi. After all, all this is almost for nothing!

The organizers of this pilgrimage are thinking in advance about situations that may arise on May 1st. Everyone knows what a holiday is in China on this day. And in order to avoid crowds, confusion, and discontent, many travel companies announce a reduced entrance fee ahead of time. They warn: come on time if you don't want to get into a long line. This is often done, for example, by Jiuzhaigou - a national park - or Qin Shi Huangdi - a mausoleum.

However, eternal grumps will always find something to complain about. And they write complaints. Let’s say these: the list of museums that will operate at reduced ticket prices includes those places and objects that few people have heard of or even know about. It's not that interesting to go there. But the most popular tourist spots, on the contrary, inflate their prices incredibly high. And therefore, it is impossible to save significantly when the holidays begin in China in May.

Shopping is my favorite thing

And the merchants are not asleep either. And they rush into the midst of the bustle of people when the May holidays begin in China. After all, this is a great chance to make a good profit. And people, thanks also to the active advertising arranged these days, are sweeping everything off the shelves. As usual, electronics and home appliances are in particular demand.

And the true giants of this market are coming up with new ways to attract shopping lovers to their stores. There are a wide variety of offers here, plus special discounts on, as always, incredibly popular iPhones and iPads, the latest version of TVs, home air conditioners, always super new refrigerators, washing machines, etc.

There are almost no traffic jams

And the holidays themselves and other weekends cause increased traffic flow. And this is understandable. Many residents are not averse to seeing relatives or just moving away from home for a change of scenery. And the state is meeting them halfway. So, one day everyone was delighted by the news that on toll highways they would not charge small vehicles.

Of course, people understood that with this there was a risk of being stuck for a long time on such a road. But the Beijing city authorities have provided for everything as much as possible. We prepared a forecast for traffic congestion in advance. We have prepared diagrams of all possible options for avoiding these problem areas. And the situation was not catastrophic.

Together with other countries

Recently, the Chinese calendar added another red day. From now on, May 9 is a holiday in China, just like in Europe. The residents themselves say that they revere him. After all, this is a general Victory in World War II. For them it is a symbol of valor and courage of people.

Various events are held in Beijing and other cities. There is a parade in the capital. Many people watch it on TV. And at the Russian Cultural Center there are meetings for veterans who fought alongside Russian soldiers. Then - a round table. Remember historical events. And everyone says, following the chairman of the All-China Veterans Society, that for them, as for the whole world, this is an important day. For they also fought against Nazism and therefore won.

And at the end there is always a concert.

It is especially interesting to visit that quarter of the Chinese capital where Russian people live. Here the celebration ends with a special night program, which then continues with festivities until the morning.

Beijing solemnly celebrated the anniversary of the victory over Japan.

Yesterday, Chinese President Xi Jinping took part in a ceremony marking Japan's surrender in the war. From now on, September 3 will be the day when the heroes of the Resistance are honored. This event took place against the backdrop of an escalation of the territorial dispute between Beijing and Tokyo. But Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has not given up hope of resolving differences through compromise. As experts note, he reorganized the cabinet, promoting a politician who maintains informal contacts with Chinese officials.

China yesterday solemnly celebrated the 69th anniversary of the victory over Japan in World War II. Xi Jinping and other members of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee took part in the ceremony at the museum in Beijing, which tells the story of the Chinese people's war of resistance against Japanese aggression.

Formally, the surrender took place on September 2, 1945, on board the American battleship Missouri. But, as reported by the AP agency, from now on in China Victory Day will be celebrated annually on September 3. A reception to mark this event was also held at the Chinese Embassy in Moscow. It showed a documentary film about the contribution of the Soviet Union to the defeat of militaristic Japan. Retired colonel Vladimir Dergachev, born in 1923, and other veterans who liberated northeast China from the invaders were present. They talked about the traditions of military brotherhood between Russian and Chinese warriors.

Foreign commentators associate the ceremony with the Japanese-Chinese dispute over the Senkaku (Diaoyu) Islands in the East China Sea. At one time, Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping and Japanese politicians agreed to postpone the resolution of this conflict to the discretion of future generations. However, Tokyo two years ago nationalized the islands, which were previously owned by private individuals. This added more wood to the fire of controversy.

Ironically, the commemoration in Beijing coincided with a reshuffle of the Japanese cabinet. At the request of Prime Minister Abe, the entire government resigned. This is a common procedure in the country's parliamentary practice, allowing the prime minister to refresh his cabinet. Foreign commentators note, not without surprise, that five ministerial posts will be occupied by women. The head of government hopes that this will improve the cabinet's ratings. In Japan, unlike France, the United States, and other Western countries, women are less likely to occupy leadership positions in the public service and in private corporations.

The Japan Times emphasizes that Abe is emphasizing stability in his reshuffle. Specifically, Fumio Kishida will remain as Foreign Minister and Taro Aso as Finance Minister. But Reuters highlights two appointments that are directly related to the conflict with China. The Prime Minister transferred Justice Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki to the post of Secretary General of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The General Secretary controls the party's funds and is responsible for the upcoming gubernatorial elections. In the summer, the LDP lost votes in one of the districts in the gubernatorial elections. That's because Abe, who has called for a powerful military, has expanded the government's powers to fight overseas. As a result, the importance of those provisions of the Constitution that declare in principle Japan's renunciation of war has fallen.

If Abe has a reputation as a “hawk,” Tanigaki has a reputation as a “dove.” His promotion, as the LDP headquarters hopes, will improve the prime minister’s image at home and abroad, perhaps even in China. But the appointment of 75-year-old lawmaker Toshihiro Nikai as chairman of the LDP's general council, the party's top decision-making body, has sparked an even wider response. Nikai is considered a pro-Chinese figure. He has a wide network of contacts in Beijing.

In a conversation with NG, the head of the Center for Japanese Studies at the Institute of Far Eastern Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Valery Kistanov, emphasized that “Abe is looking for ways to improve relations with China. They are abnormal and it causes economic damage to both parties. China is taking a tough stance. His demands boil down to two points: Japan must acknowledge the existence of a territorial dispute. Secondly, the Chinese are outraged by the Japanese leaders' visit to the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, where there are plaques with the names of fallen soldiers, including war criminals convicted by the International Tribunal. In Beijing, these visits are regarded as attempts to whitewash those who committed war crimes.”

On August 15, the day when the emperor read out a rescript on the radio to end the war in 1945, Abe did not go to the temple. This was a signal to Beijing. Progress towards reconciliation, Tokyo hopes, can be achieved in November at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Beijing. Abe’s meeting with Xi Jinping may take place there, the expert concluded.