The list of foreign officials heading to the military parade in Beijing to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II offers a telling snapshot of China's current state of diplomatic relations, says Duowei News, a US-based Chinese political news outlet.
Last week, the State Council released the full list of attendees that will be in Beijing for events to mark Victory over Japan Day, though not all will be attending the centerpiece military parade on Sept. 3.
According to state media, Beijing issued invites to the heads of state of a total of 51 foreign countries, of which 49 were accepted. Invites were also sent to 11 international organizations, of which 10 were accepted.
Unsurprisingly, the two countries to turn down invites were Japan and the Philippines, both of which are embroiled in territorial disputes with Beijing in the East China and South China seas, respectively. However, it has been reported that Japan's former prime minister Tomiichi Murayama and former Philippine president Joseph Estrada will attend the commemorative events in Beijing in an unofficial capacity.
Read the full story at Want China Times