China showcases its strongest military parade in history with Putin and Kim in attendance

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned that the world faces a choice between peace and war during the hosting of his country’s largest-ever military parade on Wednesday, attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Western leaders largely avoided the massive event held to mark 80 years since Japan’s defeat at the end of World War II, while Putin and Kim were guests of honor.

The parade was designed to highlight China’s military strength and diplomatic influence, coming at a time when tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump and his unpredictable policies have strained Washington’s relations with both allies and adversaries.

Speaking before a crowd of more than 50,000 at Tiananmen Square, Xi said, “Today, humanity faces the choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, win-win or lose-lose,” adding that the Chinese people “stand firmly on the right side of history.”

Xi inspected advanced military forces and equipment including missiles, tanks, and drones while riding in an open car.

Helicopters carrying large flags and fighter jets flew in formations during the 70-minute parade filled with symbolism and propaganda, culminating in the release of 80,000 doves of peace and colorful balloons.

Earlier, Xi, dressed in a suit similar to that worn by former leader Mao Zedong, welcomed leaders from more than 20 countries on the red carpet, and his wife Peng Liyuan was heard greeting several leaders in English saying, “Nice to meet you” and “Welcome to China.”

Trump highlighted the role of the United States in helping China secure its freedom from Japan in a post on Truth Social as the parade began.

He added, “Please send my warm regards to Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against the United States of America.”

Earlier, Trump told reporters he did not see the military parade as a challenge to the U.S. and emphasized his “very good relationship” with Xi.

The chief spokesperson for the Japanese government declined to comment on the military parade, adding that Asia’s two largest economies maintain constructive relations.

Vision for a New World Order

Xi described World War II as a major turning point in the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” when it overcame humiliating Japanese invasion to become an economic and geopolitical power.

Earlier this week, Xi revealed his vision for a new world order at a regional security summit, calling for unity against “hegemony and power politics,” a veiled criticism of the United States.

Wen-Ti Tsung, a fellow at the Global China Center of the Atlantic Council in Taiwan, said, “Xi feels confident that the table has turned. China is now back in the driver’s seat.”

Beyond the spectacle, analysts are watching for a possible announcement by the three leaders to formalize their defense ties following the agreement signed by Russia and North Korea in June 2024, and a similar alliance between Beijing and Pyongyang, a development that could alter military calculations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Kim, appearing for the first time at a major multilateral event, is the first North Korean leader to attend a Chinese military parade in 66 years.

The North Korean leader traveled to Beijing accompanied by his daughter Ju Ae, whom South Korean intelligence considers a potential successor despite her absence beside him during the parade.