Beijing’s Grand Military Parade Signals Strength with Xi, Putin, and Kim in Attendance

Beijing hosted a grand military parade on Wednesday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of World War II’s conclusion, showcasing China’s growing military prowess. Chinese President Xi Jinping, who also leads the Communist Party and the armed forces, inspected thousands of troops and advanced weaponry along the city’s Avenue of Eternal Peace, riding in an open-top black limousine. He offered a brief salute to the soldiers, acknowledging their efforts with, “Comrades, you’ve worked hard!” The event, attended by approximately two dozen foreign leaders, underscored Beijing’s intent to strengthen diplomatic ties amid tensions with the United States over tariffs.

Among the prominent guests were Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and Iran’s president, joined by leaders from Southeast Asia. The parade, China’s first large-scale military display since 2019, featured meticulously aligned troops, state-of-the-art missiles, fighter jets, and other advanced weaponry, many unveiled publicly for the first time, according to the Associated Press. The tightly controlled event kept the public at a distance with barriers, and businesses along the parade route remained closed until its conclusion. For most Chinese citizens, the spectacle was accessible only via television or online livestreams.

Xi addressed the troops, emphasizing China’s resolve to resist external pressure, stating that the nation would not yield to any country’s influence. The parade, held at Tiananmen Square, served as both a display of military strength and a message of defiance to Western nations. The presence of Putin and Kim highlighted a growing alignment among China, Russia, and North Korea, particularly as they navigate Western sanctions and geopolitical challenges. Former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the event via Truth Social, criticizing the gathering as a conspiracy against the U.S., while also noting his positive relationship with Xi. The parade, a carefully choreographed spectacle, reinforced China’s ambition to assert its global influence and military readiness.