The Chinese government has announced a guest list of more than 40 foreign representatives who would attend the military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the second world war on September 3. State leaders to attend the event include Russian President Vladimir Putin, South Korean President Park Geun-hye, South African President Jacob Zuma and Pakistan’s President Mamnoon Hussain. The only head of state or government from the EU on the list is Czech President Milos Zeman. The Foreign Ministers of France and Italy will also attend. Japan will be represented by former Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama. The parade will involve 12,000 soldiers and 500 pieces of hardware passing along the south side of Tiananmen Square.