Chinese servicemen arrive in Moscow to participate in WWII celebrations

China's guards of honour, who are scheduled to take part in the Victory Day parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of World War II (WWII) on May 9, arrived in Moscow Saturday, the Chinese embassy in Russia told Xinhua.

According to the embassy, about 110 Chinese servicemen arrived here at around noon and will prepare for the military parade at the Red Square in the coming days.

Russia is to hold grand celebrations to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Great Patriotic War, Russia's term of WWII, on May 9.

The Russian Foreign Ministry's spokesman Alexander Lukashevich announced Friday that leaders of 26 countries have confirmed their participation in the event. Moscow has also invited 16 countries to send their military units to take part in the parade at the Red Square.

As of now ten countries have confirmed their participation.

WWII veterans from former Soviet republics, Israel and countries of the anti-Hitler coalition would also take part in the celebrations.

The scheduled celebrations include a military parade, an evening concert at the Red Square and a reception at the Grand Kremlin Palace.