China on Wednesday, unveiled a rare display of its most advanced military technology, including jet fighters, missiles, and state-of-the-art electronic warfare systems, during a grand parade in Beijing, underscoring its growing military prowess.
The event, held at Tiananmen Square, commemorated the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan in World War II.
Hundreds of troops marched in formation, as crowds waved flags, while foreign dignitaries watched on.
Among the 26 world leaders in attendance were Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, Iranian leaders, and heads of state from Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Zimbabwe, and several Central Asian nations.
From South Asia, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Nepal’s K. P. Sharma Oli, and Maldives’ President Mohamed Muizzu also joined the commemorations.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan formally welcomed the guests.
Kim Jong Un’s Beijing Return
Kim Jong Un, who traveled by train with his daughter Kim Ju Ae, made his first trip to China since 2019.
His presence comes amid speculation of tensions between Beijing and Pyongyang, following reports that Kim has been deepening his alignment with Russia. This includes sending North Korean troops to support Moscow in Ukraine.
This is his second visit to China since 2019 and the first after rumours of a rift between the two close allies over the reclusive leader’s attempts to move past China’s stranglehold on him by building closer ties with Mr. Putin, including sending troops to take part in the Ukraine war.
In a significant side meeting, Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir met Xi Jinping for the first time since assuming the title of Field Marshal.
A United Front Against Washington
The joint appearance of Xi, Putin, and Kim in Beijing has been interpreted by observers as a symbolic warning to the United States.
Mr. Xi, Mr. Putin and Mr. Kim’s presence together in Beijing, especially at a military parade, was seen as an attempt by China to send a strong message to the U.S. and its President Donald Trump, who tried to woo both Mr. Putin and Mr. Kim to take them into Washington’s fold.
Their gathering came just days after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held separate meetings with Xi and Putin.
That summit unfolded against heightened U.S.–India trade tensions after President Trump imposed steep 50% tariffs on Indian imports linked to Russian oil purchases.
Diplomatic Spat with Japan
The commemorations have also sparked a row between China and Japan. Tokyo urged foreign leaders to skip the parade, prompting a sharp reaction from Beijing.
China has lodged a diplomatic protest with Japan for its request to the world leaders not to attend the event.
Beijing’s Global Stage
For Xi Jinping, the parade was not only a remembrance of history but also an opportunity to project China’s influence abroad. “China is making all-out efforts to showcase its global influence and military might, seen as an attempt to boost the profile of Mr. Xi.”
Russian President Putin, for his part, emphasized the strength of Moscow’s partnership with Beijing. “China-Russia ties are at ‘unprecedented level’, Vladimir Putin tells Xi Jinping.”
The highly choreographed event, broadcast to the world and covered by a large international press corps, saw the People’s Liberation Army present its cutting-edge weaponry, which officials claim rivals that of the U.S. military. Security across the capital was tight, with Beijing decorated extensively for the occasion.