Chinese Military Parade Marks 80th WWII Anniversary with Global Leaders Attending

The 80th anniversary military parade in Beijing, commemorating the end of World War II, was attended by a notable lineup of authoritarian leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Former Australian premiers Daniel Andrews and Bob Carr attended the event in a personal capacity, drawing criticism in Australia and raising questions about their participation alongside controversial figures. U.S. President Donald Trump publicly congratulated President Xi while expressing discomfort over the gathering of China, Russia, and North Korea, emphasizing America's sacrifices during World War II and questioning the narrative presented by China. The parade showcased over 10,000 troops, more than 100 aircraft, and advanced military equipment, highlighting China's growing military capabilities amid regional tensions. Australian diplomatic representation was scaled back, with the ambassador absent and lower-level officials attending instead, reflecting sensitivities around the event. Analysts viewed the parade as a propaganda effort by China to assert its role in Japan's defeat and bolster its international stature amid a contentious global context.