Chinese servicemen march during a rehearsal for the Victory Day parade in Red Square in Moscow, Russian May 7, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

MOSCOW - Bearing in mind the honor and responsibility of Chinese servicemen representing their motherland in a foreign country, the Chinese guards of honor would showcase to the world their image of a well-disciplined and professional army and their resolve to safeguard stability and world peace.

As part of Russia's grand celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Great Patriotic War, Russia's term for World War II (WWII), the Chinese servicemen were invited for the first time to take part in the upcoming May 9 Victory Day parade at Moscow's Red Square with the other nine countries' soldiers.

The participation in the parade is a chance to show the world the strength, spirit and determination of the Chinese army to safeguard peace, according to Senior Colonel Li Bentao, head of the honor guards.

Zhang Hongjie, the standard-bearer who would walk at the front of the Chinese array, told Xinhua that he is proud to escort the Chinese national flag with his companions and show the world China's confidence.

"The five-star red flag means glory to all Chinese and the sense of mission to Chinese soldiers in particular. It is a very important assignment for me to bear the flag," Zhang said.

During previous rehearsals, the audience gave thunderous cheers and applause when Chinese soldiers strode forward in strict formation with a valiant posture and synchronized steps.

The distinctive features of the Chinese servicemen also drew attention as they entered the exhibition hall of the Central Armed Forces Museum for medal-award ceremony on Wednesday. Altogether 112 Chinese servicemen were awarded medals on that day by the Russian Defense Ministry to commemorate their participation in the parade.

According to an official of the museum who gave his last name as Kozhin, compared with the performances of other countries' servicemen, the Chinese honor guards, even if in daily life, left the most outstanding impression to him.

In order to present the best of Chinese servicemen, the Chinese array has already trained for almost half a year.

"We had strict training requirements and made lots of preparations to show the world the quality and spirit of the Chinese military forces," said Major General Xu Hongsheng, leader of the selection of the Chinese guards of honor.

Li added that special adjustment of the marching speed was made during the field training in the Red Square. The final array formation of 12 rows of soldiers, respectively representing the army, the navy and the air force, led by a standard bearer and five escorts was also made in accordance with the site conditions of the Red Square.

The participation of Chinese servicemen would reinforce the friendly relationship of the two countries' armies, and lead to more military exchanges with Russia as well as other countries, Xu said.

"The Friendship between Russia and China has a long history. A cordial welcome is all we Russians would like to give to Chinese President Xi Jinping, and we are greatly honored by his presence at the Victory Day parade," Kozhin said.

On May 9, 102 Chinese servicemen would proudly show up with their best conditions and high spirits, marching against the musical background of "Katyusha," a popular Russian wartime song that nowadays still enjoyed the same fame in China.

Li said the song represents the two countries' respect for and commemoration of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for world peace during the WWII.

"What I feel (about Russia's May 9 Victory Day parade) is that peace is the best gift to the world," said Lang Xujie, one of the Chinese guards of honor.