China hosted its largest military parade to date, showcasing its military capabilities and asserting its geopolitical influence. The event, marking the 80th anniversary of Japan's defeat in World War II, featured President Xi Jinping alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The parade took place at Tiananmen Square, where over 50,000 spectators gathered to witness the spectacle.

Xi Jinping, dressed in a suit reminiscent of former leader Mao Zedong, greeted various non-Western leaders, including Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who attended despite domestic protests. The parade included a vast choir singing patriotic songs as dignitaries took their seats.

The 70-minute event displayed aerial performances, marching troops, and advanced military technology, including hypersonic missiles and drones. Xi reviewed the troops and delivered a keynote address, asserting that China is "on the right side of history" and that the nation's rejuvenation is "unstoppable."

In his speech, Xi emphasized the significance of World War II in China's rise as an economic power and framed the conflict as a pivotal moment in the "great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation." He also called for unity against what he termed "hegemonism and power politics," a reference to U.S. policies under President Donald Trump.

Trump, when asked if he viewed the parade as a challenge to the U.S., stated he did not and maintained that he had a "very good relationship" with Xi, adding, "China needs us much more than we need them."

The parade required extensive security measures, with major roads and schools in Beijing closed in preparation. Local governments mobilized thousands of volunteers to monitor for any signs of unrest. This event marked Kim Jong Un's first major multilateral appearance and the first time a North Korean leader attended a Chinese military parade in 66 years.

As the parade concluded, Xi, Putin, and Kim's presence underscored a shared vision for a new global order, with Xi and Putin previously discussing deeper energy cooperation and support for North Korea's nuclear ambitions.