While the noise of tanks and thousands of marching feet may be intended to stiffen the confidence of Chinese citizens watching Thursday¡¯s ceremony marking the defeat of Japan in World War II, Tokyo¡¯s reaction is likely to be far more subdued.
Despite the event¡¯s overt anti-Japanese tone ¡ª it celebrates what China calls the Victory of the Chinese People¡¯s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War ¡ª the military parade is likely more for domestic consumption.
As Beijing grapples with a number of economic crises that could put the Communist Party¡¯s authority in question, analysts say the massive demonstration of military might is a chance for the nation¡¯s leaders to shift attention away from the souring economy.
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