China's Defense Ministry has said it respects the decision by North Korea not to send its military delegation to next week's huge military parade marking the end of World War II.

North Korea, the only treaty ally of China, will send a top official, Choe Ryong-hae, to the Sept. 3 military parade, but no military delegation from the North will take part, according to Chinese officials.

Asked about the non-attendance of the North Korean military delegation at the event, China's Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun told reporters, "For all those who come, we extend our welcome and for those who do not come, we also respect their decision."

Yang made the remarks on Thursday, during a monthly press conference, according to the Chinese ministry's website.

South Korean President Park Geun-hye will attend the military parade, and the South Korean military will send a three-member delegation to the event, Seoul officials said. (Yonhap)