President Xi Jinping hosted a once-in-a-decade military parade in Beijing on Wednesday, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un by his side. The three leaders were photographed walking together towards the ceremony, a striking image broadcast on giant screens in the capital. Xi shook hands with Putin and Kim before ascending to Tiananmen’s rostrum, where they were joined by about two dozen other foreign leaders, including representatives from Iran, Pakistan, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Putin-Kim bilateral

Putin, Kim Jong Un met formally at the Diaoyutai state guest house after attending military parade. Putin and Kim travelled from a formal reception to the negotiations in the same car, the Kremlin said in a post on social media. 

China military weapons on display

The parade, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, showcased China’s most advanced weaponry, much of it being revealed publicly for the first time. Military officials confirmed that the display included hypersonic missiles, long-range precision strike systems, anti-drone technology, stealth drones and strategic bombers. The nuclear triad including land, sea and air-based deterrents featured prominently. Overhead, fighter jets and helicopters flew in formation, while 80,000 doves were released to symbolise peace.

Military personnel take part in a military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan’s World War II surrender held in front of Tiananmen Gate in Beijing, China, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. (Alexander Kazakov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Xi calls for ‘world-class military’

Before the troops began marching, Xi inspected the formations along Chang’an Avenue from a classic black limousine, standing upright through the roof as he saluted soldiers. Troops responded in unison with slogans such as “We serve the people.” In his remarks, Xi called for accelerating the modernisation of the People’s Liberation Army, reiterating his goal of transforming it into a “world-class military.” The ceremony opened with an 80-gun salute, followed by the national anthem, “March of the Volunteers.”

Armoured vehicles take part in a military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan’s World War II surrender held in front of Tiananmen Gate in Beijing, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Xi-Putin-Kim trio

The presence of Putin and Kim at Xi’s side underscored Beijing’s deepening ties with Moscow and Pyongyang at a time of heightened tension with the West. The three leaders exchanged words during the parade, with Xi seen conversing separately with both men on multiple occasions. The imagery of unity, amplified by state media coverage, reflected China’s growing diplomatic influence and its willingness to present a counterweight to U.S. power.

The DF-5C liquid-fueled intercontinental strategic nuclear missile takes part in a military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan’s World War II surrender held in front of Tiananmen Gate in Beijing, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025.  (Photo: AP)

Trump accuses leaders of ‘conspiracy’

While Beijing projected strength, former US President Donald Trump responded sharply from Washington. Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump accused Xi, Putin and Kim of “conspiring against the United States.” He urged Xi to “give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un as you conspire,” while reminding Beijing of American sacrifices during the Second World War, claiming US “blood” had secured China’s freedom.

Message from China to Trump

Wednesday’s parade was the first major military spectacle since 2019, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the founding of Communist China. Carefully choreographed, the event combined military power with political symbolism blending historical remembrance with a vision of China’s future role on the global stage. As Xi stood flanked by Putin and Kim, the message was clear that China intends not only to modernise its forces, but also to cement its place at the heart of a shifting world order.