While the noise of tanks and thousands of marching feet may be intended to stiffen the confidence of Chinese citizens watching Thursday*s ceremony marking the defeat of Japan in World War II, Tokyo*s reaction is likely to be far more subdued.

Despite the event*s overt anti-Japanese tone 〞 it celebrates what China calls the Victory of the Chinese People*s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War 〞 the military parade is likely more for domestic consumption.

As Beijing grapples with a number of economic crises that could put the Communist Party*s authority in question, analysts say the massive demonstration of military might is a chance for the nation*s leaders to shift attention away from the souring economy.