Chinese President Xi Jinping warned that the world faces a choice between peace and war during a massive military parade in Beijing on Wednesday, attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Reuters reports.
The event, marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II, was largely avoided by Western leaders, while Putin and Kim were guests of honor.
Show of Military Strength and Diplomacy
Designed to demonstrate China’s military power and diplomatic influence, the parade comes amid mounting pressure on China due to U.S. tariffs and unstable policies under President Donald Trump, affecting relationships with both allies and rivals.
“Today, humanity faces the choice between peace and war, dialogue or confrontation, shared gain or total loss,” Xi said to a crowd of over 50,000 people in Tiananmen Square, adding that the Chinese people “stand resolutely on the right side of history.”
The 70-minute display included helicopters with large flags and fighter jets flying in formation, concluding with the release of 80,000 “peace doves.”
Historic Gathering of Leaders
Xi, dressed in a Mao-style suit, greeted more than 25 foreign leaders, including Prabowo Subianto from Indonesia. He sat between Putin and Kim Jong Un, engaging in discussions as thousands of troops and military vehicles paraded past – marking the first public appearance of the three leaders together.
Following the parade, Putin thanked Kim for his soldiers’ support in the Ukraine conflict, while Kim pledged willingness to assist Russia further.
Trump Reacts
During the parade, Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, referencing the U.S. role in World War II and addressing Xi:
“Greetings to Putin and Kim Jong Un as you cooperate against the United States.”
The Kremlin denied any conspiracy against the U.S., suggesting that Trump was being ironic.
