China has marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two in Asia with an enormous military parade in Beijing, a show designed to project power and unity on the world stage. President Xi Jinping oversaw the event, where some of the country’s most advanced technologies were unveiled, including laser weapons, nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, stealth drones, hypersonic systems, and massive unmanned underwater vehicles.
The parade was notable not only for its hardware but also for the political symbolism. Xi was joined by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, both of whom appeared alongside him for the first time in such a high-profile international event. Dozens of other heads of state and government representatives attended, though most Western leaders stayed away, with only a few exceptions such as the leaders of Slovakia and Serbia.
The meeting of Xi, Putin, and Kim sent a strong signal to Washington and its allies. During private talks, Kim told Putin that it was his country’s “fraternal duty” to support Russia, a message backed by North Korea’s continued supply of weapons and troops for the war in Ukraine. Reports from Seoul estimate that as many as 15,000 North Korean soldiers are involved on the Russian frontline, with heavy casualties reported in recent months. In exchange, Pyongyang is said to be receiving food, funds, and technical support.
For Russia, the presence of Kim was both practical and symbolic. Putin praised North Korea’s contribution to Moscow’s war effort and invited Kim to visit Russia again soon. The two leaders met for more than two hours during the parade and pledged to strengthen ties further.
Meanwhile, Xi Jinping used the occasion to declare that China “fears no one” and that the world today faces a choice between peace and confrontation. His words were followed by a carefully choreographed display of Chinese power: long-range Dongfeng-5 missiles, AI-powered stealth attack drones, “robot wolf” ground systems, and the J-20 Mighty Dragon stealth fighter jet. The Chinese navy also paraded its rapid shipbuilding achievements, a reminder of Beijing’s maritime ambitions.
Analysts noted that much of the parade doubled as an arms showcase aimed at potential buyers. Countries like Myanmar already purchase heavily from China, but the spectacle also provided Beijing an opportunity to market its military products to new partners. Observers said the timing and optics suggested an effort to promote an alternative global order, countering US dominance with a new bloc of authoritarian cooperation.
Experts, however, point out that while China’s weapons systems are advanced, the People’s Liberation Army has not fought a major war in decades. Western defence specialists continue to question whether China’s rigid, top-down command structure would be effective in coordinating across land, sea, air, space, and cyber domains during a real conflict.
Reactions outside Beijing were sharp. In Washington, President Donald Trump—who was not present—took to social media to criticize Xi, Kim, and Putin, accusing them of conspiring against the United States. Still, Trump has had a mixed relationship with Xi, often alternating between praise and hostility, particularly over trade and tariffs.
For North Korea, Kim Jong Un’s attendance marked a historic step, as it was the first time in more than six decades that a North Korean leader participated in a Chinese military parade. He was accompanied by his daughter Ju Ae and his sister Kim Yo Jong, reinforcing the dynastic image of his rule, though no senior military officials were in his delegation. Analysts said this reflects China’s careful balancing act—embracing symbolic political alignment with North Korea without committing to a formal military alliance.
The absence of South Korea’s president was also significant. Ten years ago, Seoul’s head of state stood beside Xi and Putin at a similar parade. This year, South Korea instead sent a parliamentary speaker, reflecting its stronger alignment with the United States and Japan against the China-Russia-North Korea axis.
What emerged most from the day was the image of Xi, Putin, and Kim walking together, presenting themselves as an alternative to the US-led world order. The massive military parade was not only a demonstration of China’s growing capabilities but also a political statement, one that underlines shifting global alliances and the challenges facing Western influence.
Source: Adapted and rewritten from BBC News reporting
Summary: China’s 80th-anniversary parade showcased new weapons and signaled closer ties with Russia and North Korea. Xi declared China’s confidence, while Putin and Kim reinforced their partnership against Western influence. Despite its hardware advances, doubts remain about China’s real combat readiness. The event highlighted deepening global divides.
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