Xi Jinping stages China’s largest-ever military parade with Putin and Kim
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Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday presided over his country’s biggest-ever military parade at Tiananmen Square, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as guests of honour.
The event marked 80 years since Japan’s defeat in World War II. While western leaders largely stayed away, Putin and Kim — both shunned in the West over the Ukraine war and North Korea’s nuclear program — stood alongside Xi.
Addressing an audience of over 50,000, Xi cautioned that the world was at a critical juncture, facing choices between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation, or win-win and zero-sum outcomes. He asserted that the Chinese people stood firmly on what he described as the right side of history.
Xi later rode in an open-top limousine to inspect the troops and advanced military hardware, including missiles, tanks, and drones. Helicopters carrying banners flew overhead during the 70-minute display.
Dressed in a Mao-style suit, Xi greeted over 20 leaders with phrases in English such as “Nice to meet you” and “Welcome to China.” Indonesia’s president made a surprise appearance despite protests at home.
The parade also had diplomatic undertones. Putin used the occasion to advance energy deals with China. Kim Jong Un, attending his first major multilateral event, became the first North Korean leader to take part in a Chinese military parade in 66 years. His daughter, Ju Ae, appeared alongside him in her international debut, a move closely watched by analysts who consider her a possible successor.
The gathering is being viewed as a potential platform for stronger defence cooperation between Beijing, Moscow, and Pyongyang, especially after Russia and North Korea signed a defence pact in June 2024. China has also deepened security ties with Pyongyang. Experts warn such moves could shift the strategic balance in the Asia-Pacific region.
Xi has framed World War II as central to the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” linking Japan’s defeat to China’s rise as a global power. Earlier this week, he outlined a vision of a new world order at a regional summit, calling for resistance against “hegemonism and power politics” — a veiled reference to the United States.
U.S. President Donald Trump, posting on Truth Social as the parade began, said: “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America.” He also highlighted America’s role in helping China during World War II, while later downplaying the parade as a challenge to Washington. Trump reiterated his “very good relationship” with Xi.
Security preparations for the parade were extensive. Authorities closed schools and major roads in Beijing, while local governments across the country deployed tens of thousands of volunteers and Communist Party members to maintain order.