China Hosts Military Parade with Global Leaders in Attendance

On September 3, 2025, China marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with a large-scale military parade in Beijing's Tiananmen Square. President Xi Jinping hosted the event, which showcased the nation's military capabilities and diplomatic ties.

The parade featured over 50,000 spectators and displayed advanced military hardware, including hypersonic missiles and drones. Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended, standing alongside Xi during the proceedings. Their presence underscored the strengthening relationships among these nations.

In addition to Putin and Kim, leaders from 24 other countries participated, reflecting China's growing influence among emerging economies. Attendees included Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, and Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel. The event highlighted China's diplomatic reach, particularly among nations in the Global South.

Western nations, including the United States, Japan, and most of Europe, largely abstained from the event, sending lower-level officials or no delegation. This absence signaled ongoing geopolitical divides and differing perspectives on China's role in the current global order.

The parade concluded with the release of 80,000 doves and an equal number of balloons, symbolizing peace. This visual spectacle aimed to convey a message of harmony and China's commitment to global stability.