China will increase the pensions of veterans who fought in World War II, starting in October, a civil affairs official said. It is one of a number of measures to honor veterans ahead of the Victory Day commemorations on Sept 3.

Dou Yupei, vice-minister of civil affairs, made the announcement at a news conference on Monday.

World War II veterans currently receive a yearly pension of more than 7,000 yuan ($1,090), while some receive higher amounts in better-off parts of the country, he said.