China Holds 80th WWII Victory Parade with Global Leaders in Beijing

China marked the 80th anniversary of its victory in the People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War with a grand military parade in Beijing, attended by leaders from 26 countries, including Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong-un. President Xi Jinping delivered a speech emphasizing China's resilience, national rejuvenation, and the importance of safeguarding peace and multilateralism in the face of global changes. The parade showcased China's advanced military technology, including experimental AI-driven tanks and drone swarms, signaling the nation's intent to assert itself as a modern global power. The event highlighted strong diplomatic ties, with Xi meeting multiple foreign leaders such as Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to promote regional peace and cooperation. Western powers notably abstained from the commemorations, underscoring geopolitical divides. Overall, the event combined historical remembrance with a powerful display of China's military progress and international alliances.