China marked 80 years since the end of WWII with a thunderous military parade showcasing hypersonic missiles, stealth jets, and nuclear-capable rockets—watched by Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un, and other non-Western leaders.
Beijing turned into a stage of power and symbolism on Wednesday morning, as Chinese President Xi Jinping presided over a grand military parade in Tiananmen Square to commemorate 80 years since the end of World War II.
With 50,000 spectators watching, Xi—dressed in a grey Mao suit—stood atop the Gate of Heavenly Peace, greeting foreign dignitaries including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un before addressing 10,000 assembled troops from the People’s Liberation Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Xi’s message was wrapped in the language of peace, though delivered against the backdrop of overwhelming military might. “Humanity is again faced with a choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation,” Xi declared, promising that China would stand on “the right side of history” while strengthening its military as part of the “national rejuvenation” project.
⚔️ Show of Force
The parade featured some of China’s most advanced weaponry:
- Hypersonic missiles and long-range intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
- Stealth fighters, early-warning aircraft, and electronic jamming systems.
- Underwater drones and cutting-edge armored tanks.
The air force capped the spectacle with a flyover, helicopters trailing banners proclaiming: “Justice will prevail,” “Peace will prevail,” and “The people will win.”
🌍 Foreign Leaders in Attendance
A total of 26 world leaders—largely from non-Western nations—attended the event, underlining Xi’s effort to project China as a global power unshaken by Western pressure.
Analysts noted that hosting Putin and Kim at the parade was a direct signal to Washington. “It reinforces that China is not isolated and will not bow to U.S. bullying,” said Ian Chong of the National University of Singapore.
🇺🇸 Trump Responds from Afar
From Washington, former U.S. President Donald Trump responded sharply, questioning why Xi failed to mention America’s decisive role in defeating Japan during World War II.
“Many Americans died in China’s quest for Victory and Glory,” Trump wrote on social media, before cheekily adding: “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America.”
The parade, choreographed with precision and infused with nationalist symbolism, was more than a commemoration. It was a bold statement of China’s arrival as a global superpower under Xi Jinping’s rule—with an unmistakable message to rivals: China’s century of humiliation is over, and it will never bow again.
