Beijing: Flanked by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, President Xi Jinping marked the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in World War II with a strong message of peace and international cooperation as global tensions run high.
Held in Tiananmen Square on September 3, the parade featured some of China’s most advanced weaponry, including hypersonic missiles, directed-energy systems, electronic warfare equipment, and unmanned intelligence platforms, many showcased publicly for the first time. More than 10,000 military personnel, over 100 aircraft, and hundreds of tanks and armoured vehicles participated in the event.
In his keynote speech, Xi highlighted the historical significance of the victory, calling it “China’s first complete triumph against foreign aggression in modern times”. “The Chinese people made a major contribution to the salvation of human civilisation and the defence of world peace,” Xi said, urging nations to “eliminate the root causes of war” and prevent the repetition of historical tragedies.
Xi was joined on the Tiananmen Rostrum by over two dozen world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, and dignitaries from Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan, Nepal, Maldives, Myanmar, Indonesia, Mongolia, Zimbabwe, and Central Asian countries.
