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

Peace or War

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

The parade was designed to showcase China’s military strength and diplomatic influence, coming at a time when tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump and his erratic policies have strained Washington’s relations with both allies and adversaries. Xi told a crowd of more than 50,000 at Tiananmen Square, “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.”

80,000 Doves of Peace

Xi, riding in an open car, inspected advanced military forces and equipment including missiles, tanks, and drones. 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. Xi, dressed in a suit similar to that worn by former leader Mao Zedong, earlier welcomed leaders from more than 20 countries on the red carpet. His wife, Peng Liyuan, was heard greeting several leaders in English saying, “Nice to meet you” and “Welcome to China.”

Trump: You Are Conspiring Against Us

Trump, in a post on Truth Social as the parade began, highlighted the U.S. role in helping China secure its freedom from Japan. He added, “Please send my warm regards to Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un, you are conspiring 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. Japan’s chief government spokesman declined to comment on Wednesday’s military parade, adding that Asia’s two largest economies maintain constructive relations.

A 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 unveiled 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 Atlantic Council’s Global China Center in Taiwan, said, “Xi feels confident the table has turned. China is now back in the driver’s seat.” Away from the pomp, analysts are watching for the possibility that the three leaders will announce formalization of 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.