Former Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Bob Carr has defended his presence in China during a significant military display. Carr was in Beijing while Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and Chinese President Xi Jinping attended a military parade showcasing China's armed forces. Carr clarified that he did not attend the parade but participated in a commemoration event earlier in the day.

The event marked the 80th anniversary of Japan's defeat in World War II. However, China's State Council Information Office previously indicated that the parade also aimed to demonstrate the modernization and readiness of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

Former Victorian Premier Dan Andrews was present at the parade and took photos with both Putin and Xi. Carr expressed that he would have avoided such photos, stating, "I certainly would have avoided them." He added that Andrews, who has maintained close ties with China, can speak for himself regarding his actions.

Carr emphasized that his visit was solely for the commemoration of China's historical victory over Japan. He stated, "When I accepted the invitation to come to the commemoration of China's enormously historically significant victory over the Japanese aggressor, I was coming to the commemoration." He also mentioned that he communicated to the Chinese ambassador that he was not attending the parade.

The commemoration holds historical significance, as Japanese troops invaded China during World War II, committing numerous atrocities, including the Nanjing Massacre, where hundreds of thousands of Chinese citizens were killed. Carr reiterated that this historical context was his primary reason for being in Beijing.

"I didn't hesitate for a second because this Chinese story was a great part of the story of the victory of the allies," Carr said. He dismissed any notion that he was interested in the military display, stating, "Do you think that I was excited by the idea of watching weapons from a stand? I wasn't."

In a separate discussion, Carr was asked about comparisons between U.S. President Donald Trump and Putin regarding their displays of military power. He firmly stated that he does not equate Trump with Putin, saying, "I believe Trump has emerged as the leader of a post-democratic America." Carr criticized Putin for his actions in Ukraine, asserting, "I don't put Trump in the category of Putin, who bears responsibility for that."