Chinese President Xi Jinping declared that his country “cannot be stopped” in a speech delivered on Wednesday morning in Beijing at the start of a massive military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Xi said in a televised speech that “the rise of the Chinese nation cannot be stopped and the noble cause of peace and development for humanity will surely prevail.”

He added: “Today, humanity once again faces a choice between peace or war, dialogue or confrontation.”

The Chinese president called on the countries of the world to “eliminate the root causes of war and prevent the repetition of historical tragedies.”

He said in his speech: “Common security can only be guaranteed when countries treat each other equally, live in harmony, and support one another.”

The massive military parade was attended by more than 20 world leaders, notably including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.