China Hosts Mega Military Parade, World Leaders Attend 80th Victory Anniversary

China commemorated the 80th anniversary of its victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression with a grand military parade in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, attended by over two dozen foreign leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The event showcased China’s latest military technology for the first time, underlining its growing military might and signaling its role as a challenger to the US-led global order. Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote address, reviewed the troops, and highlighted China’s commitment to worldwide peace, while the presence of Putin and Kim underscored a display of solidarity among these autocratic leaders. The parade also served as a diplomatic message to the United States and President Donald Trump, particularly in the context of tensions over trade and geopolitical alignments. Japan expressed disapproval of the attendance of foreign leaders, urging them to refrain from participating, which added to diplomatic tensions between Tokyo and Beijing. The ceremony featured extensive preparations, with tens of thousands of attendees and symbolic motifs emphasizing the anniversary, reflecting China’s desire to reclaim its historical role in the post-World War II international system.