Chinese President Xi Jinping warned the world is facing a choice between peace and war during a massive military parade in Beijing on Wednesday.
For the first time, Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un joined Xi in a public show of force. The event marked 80 years since Japan’s defeat in World War Two. Western leaders largely shunned the ceremony, while Putin and Kim, pariahs due to the Ukraine war and North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, were guests of honour.
Xi told a crowd of over 50,000 at Tiananmen Square: “Today, people are faced with the choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, win-win or zero-sum.” He said the Chinese people “firmly stand on the right side of history”.
Riding in an open-top limousine, Xi inspected troops and advanced military equipment, including hypersonic missiles, underwater drones, and a weaponised ‘robot wolf’.
Helicopters trailing banners and fighter jets performed a 70-minute aerial display, ending with the release of 80,000 ‘peace’ birds.
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Xi greeted over 25 world leaders on the red carpet, including Indonesia’s Prabowo Subianto. Seated between Putin and Kim, Xi engaged in multiple discussions as thousands of troops and military equipment paraded.
Putin later thanked Kim for his soldiers’ role in Ukraine, while Kim pledged support to Russia. U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, sarcastically urging Xi to “give my warmest regards” to Putin and Kim, highlighting U.S. support during World War Two.
Xi framed World War Two as a turning point in China’s “great rejuvenation”, overcoming the humiliation of Japan’s invasion.
At a regional security summit earlier, he called for unity against “hegemonism and power politics”, a clear nod to the United States. Analysts say Xi’s message signals confidence that China is now a global leader.
Observers are watching whether the gathering hints at closer defence ties among Beijing, Moscow, and Pyongyang. Russia and North Korea signed a pact in June 2024, and China has a similar alliance with North Korea.
Putin also secured energy deals with Beijing, while Kim gained implicit support for his nuclear weapons programme. It has been 66 years since a North Korean leader last attended a Chinese military parade.
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The parade showcased China’s military modernisation amid a purge of over a dozen senior generals. Analysts note that the display both highlights military progress and diverts attention from internal challenges.
Xi’s address emphasised the “unstoppable” rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Civil servants across China were tasked with observing the parade and recording reflections.
The Beijing parade combined power projection, diplomacy, and patriotism. Xi, Putin, and Kim’s presence underscored China’s growing influence and ambitions in global politics and military strategy while also sending a clear signal to both domestic and international audiences.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
