Chinese President
Xi Jinping on Wednesday presided over a major military parade in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of
World War II.
In his address, Xi described China as “unstoppable” as he opened the event.
"The rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable and humanity's cause of peace and development will prevail," Xi said.
He also remembered the Chinese veterans of the war and urging the eradication of the roots of conflict to prevent history from repeating itself.
He stressed that China is strong, self-reliant and ready to take a leading role in global affairs, while reaffirming the country’s commitment to peaceful development and cooperation with other nations.
The Chinese premiere added that humanity must choose between peace and war, and between dialogue and confrontation.
“The Chinese people are a people that are not afraid of violence and are self-reliant and strong,” President Xi said.
“We will adhere to the path of peaceful development and work hand in hand with people of all countries to build a community with a shared future for mankind.”
The 90-minute parade showcased China’s latest military technology, with several weapons displayed publicly for the first time.
Here are the key highlights of the summit:
- Hypersonic missiles: Designed to target ships at sea, raising concerns for the US Navy’s 7th Fleet in Japan.
- Underwater drones: Including the AJX002, a long tube-shaped craft resembling a narrow submarine.
- Intercontinental ballistic missile DF-61: Capable of carrying nuclear warheads to distant targets.
- Fighter jets and bombers: Aircraft flew in precise formations, leaving colored exhaust trails.
- Helicopter formations: A group of 26 helicopters formed the number “80” to mark the anniversary.
- Cyberspace units: Showcasing China’s focus on information security and cyber warfare capabilities.
Xi reviews troops in Limousine: Xi reviewed the troops and military equipment from a classic black limousine, standing through the sunroof with microphones lined up in front of him. He greeted rows of personnel and vehicles while soldiers marched in rhythmic formations, shouting slogans such as “We serve the people.”
Foreign leaders attend: About two dozen world leaders attended the parade, joining President Xi on the Tiananmen Gate platform. Russian President
Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stood prominently beside him as they greeted World War II veterans, some over 100 years old.
This marked Kim Jong Un’s first appearance at a multilateral public event since taking power in 2011, and his first visit to China in six years. His presence alongside Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin underscored the growing alignment between Beijing, Moscow and Pyongyang.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who had initially canceled his trip due to domestic protests, eventually made it to Beijing and joined counterparts from Southeast Asia including Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni, Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Myanmar’s military leader, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith were also present.
From South Asia, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Nepali Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli and Maldives’ President Mohamed Muizzu attended.
Leaders from Central Asia included Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon, Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedow. Mongolia’s President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa also took part in the event.
The parade came shortly after a 10-nation SCO summit in Tianjin that included Xi, Putin and Prime Minister
Narendra Modi.
Strategic messaging and domestic significance: The anniversary parade also serves as a demonstration of China’s progress and military prowess, both to its citizens and the international community. Millions of Chinese died during Japan’s invasion, and the parade underscores China’s rise as a global power alternative to the US-dominated postwar order.
Xi praised the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) as a heroic force the people and the Communist Party can trust. He stressed the PLA’s responsibility to safeguard China’s sovereignty and unification, a reference to the Taiwan.
“The Chinese people’s rejuvenation cannot be blocked, and the noble goal of the peaceful development of human civilization must triumph,” he said.
The parade featured not only traditional army, navy and air force units but also new formations, including a cyberspace unit responsible for information security, highlighting China’s modernization of its armed forces.
Global leaders at parade
Trump lashes out at China: As Beijing showcased its military might, US President
Donald Trump sharply criticized the event. In a post on Truth Social, he claimed that many American workers had sacrificed their lives for China’s freedom.
He also mocked the gathering of leaders, writing: “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America. President Donald J Trump.”