The People's Republic of China (PRC) observes Victory Day on 3 September. Victory Day marks the 70th anniversary of the victory against Japan in World War II.
History of Victory Day
The Chinese State Council unexpectedly announced this national holiday in May 2015.
The notice about the announcement states "The move aims to allow people around the country to participate in activities to commemorate China’s victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War".
Beijing had earlier announced plans for a large military parade on the day, and in 2014, this holiday was given national holiday status. It is currently unclear whether this will be a one-off holiday to mark the 70th anniversary or if it will be repeated annually.
The full title of the holiday is 'The 70th anniversary of Chinese People's Anti-Japanese War and the World Anti-Fascist War Victory Commemoration Day', which is how the second world war is referred to in China.
Japan signed the formal surrender on 2 September 1945 and China commemorates Victory day on the day after.
A military parade will be held to mark the event, which is the first time that China has held a special parade to commemorate the victory in World War II.
Hong Kong
Following the announcement of Victory Day in China, Victory Day was declared a holiday in Hong Kong.
Those who work in outsourced government public services will get a day off in lieu of Victory Day - as long as they take it within 60 days.
At the end of World War II, Hong Kong was handed over by the Imperial Japanese Army to the Royal Navy on 30 August 1945. Until 1997, this event was celebrated with a public holiday on 30 August called Liberation Day.
