Nation's military power grows but still trails behind

China's victory parade in Beijing on Thursday gave military analysts and observers worldwide the chance to see the growth that has turned it into a strong country and an economic powerhouse. But China as a country has a long memory, with many still looking back to the 1930s when a politically fragmented country faced aggression and invasion from its powerful and militaristic neighbor, Japan.

As China's economic might has grown, so has its military capability, sending a message that China is prepared to defend its core interests, in line with President Xi Jinping's aim of national rejuvenation.

This week sees celebrations marking the end of the war against fascism. The wounds are still there - China still feels the current Japanese administration has never repented for Japan's occupation of the country and misery it inflicted on the Chinese people from 1937 to 1945.