China organized a massive military parade at Tiananmen Square in the heart of Beijing, the largest in the country’s history, to mark the 80th anniversary of World War II and the victory over Japan.

The movements of the military units participating in the parade began after Chinese Central Military Commission Chairman Xi Jinping finished inspecting the troops.

The parade featured formations from the People’s Liberation Army’s ground, naval, and air forces, while military aircraft flew over the capital carrying banners with the number 80, marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the war against Japanese aggression. Heavy military equipment was also lined up on Chang’an Avenue in preparation for the parade.

The grand military parade was held on September 3 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Chinese people’s victory in the war against Japan and the global fight against fascism, with participation from Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and leaders from 24 other countries.

More than 10,000 soldiers and hundreds of aircraft and military vehicles participated, showcasing 45 military formations representing traditional and new branches of the forces, including Chinese peacekeeping forces serving in United Nations missions.