President Xi Jinping held a huge military parade in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square to mark 80 years since the end of World War II. This was China’s biggest military show, which showed advanced weapons like hypersonic missiles, drones, and tanks.
Xi wore a Mao-style suit and greeted 26 world leaders, including Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. Indonesia’s Prabowo Subianto also came, despite protests in his country. Xi greeted the guests in English, saying, “Nice to meet you” and “Welcome to China.”
In his speech, shown on TV, Xi called China’s rise “unstoppable” and asked countries to choose peace instead of war. “The rise of China cannot be stopped, and peace will win,” he said. He said countries should treat each other fairly and work together to avoid fighting.
Xi talked about China’s role in winning World War II and keeping the world order after the war. He also criticized “hegemonism and power politics,” which seemed to be a jab at U.S. policies under Donald Trump.
Xi Jinping has appeared alongside Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un for a once-a-decade military parade that will unveil new weapons and showcase Beijing’s diplomatic clout https://t.co/haz4oIVDdb
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— Bloomberg (@business) September 3, 2025The parade showcased China’s growing strength during a period when U.S. alliances are weak, as Trump promotes “America First.” When asked about the event on September 2, Trump said he wasn’t worried. He mentioned his “very good relationship” with Xi and said, “China needs us more than we need them.”
The event also strengthened China’s friendships. Putin signed energy deals with China, and Kim Jong Un, attending his first big international event, gained support. Kim’s daughter, Ju Ae, appeared in public for the first time, seen as a possible future leader.
Beijing made extensive preparations for the “Victory Day” parade. Roads and schools were closed, and thousands of volunteers helped with security. Xi watched the troops from the Gate of Heavenly Peace, where a large picture of Mao Zedong looks over Tiananmen Square.
Wen-Ti Sung, from the Atlantic Council’s Global China Hub, said, “Xi will use this event to show the military fully supports his leadership.” The parade shows Xi’s plan for a world led by China, challenging U.S. power. As trade tensions and alliances become more difficult, China wants to show its strength and unity.
