CAPE TOWN - South African President Jacob Zuma on Friday hailed the military parade in Beijing, saying the event "not only showcased China's military capacity, but also China's commitment to working with the international community in the maintenance of peace and security".

South Africa was honoured to be part of the commemoration marking the 70th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in World War II (WWII), Zuma said after concluding his working visit to China.

"As a major power, China has consistently used its strength for defending peace and security globally and not for aggression," said Zuma.

"Over 35 million Chinese lost their lives defending their country during World War II. By any standard, the loss of life and pain endured was indeed tremendous.

"Despite this devastation, China emerged as among the world's key nations and utilised its political influence and economic power to build friendships with other nations," Zuma said.

In this regard, China played an important role in supporting liberation movements on the African continent, said Zuma.

This was evident during the 70th anniversary celebrations as nine African countries were represented, he added.

The president also emphasised that South Africa should strengthen its security capacity in order to continue contributing effectively to peace and security on the continent.

Furthermore, there are lessons to be learned from China's success today which is due to patriotism and discipline, said Zuma.

The president stated that China has an historical relationship with Africa and that the time has come to give real impetus to the partnership by enhancing industrialisation and infrastructure development on the African continent.