Beijing, September 3 (Xinhuanet-RHC) -- Cuban troops joined the Chinese military parade in Beijing, with Cuba's First Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel attending the event.

Analysts say Cuba's participation in the commemoration underlines the fact that China is one of the island nation's most important strategic partners.

A contingent of Cuban troops were among the foreign troops from some 17 countries who joined their Chinese counterparts for the giant military parade through Beijing.

Cuba declared war on the Axis powers after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor in December 1941. A close U.S. ally at the time, Cuba was involved in anti-submarine patrols and in escorting Allied convoys through hostile Caribbean and Atlantic waters.

Cuba was never involved in the Pacific theater, but the government here felt it was important to have a military presence in Beijing for the 70th anniversary victory parade.