Published 09/03/2025Published September 3, 2025last updated 09/03/2025last updated September 3, 2025 China has held a massive military parade to commemorate 80 years since Japan surrendered at the end of World War II. North Korea's Kim and Russia's Putin were at the event hosted by China's Xi. https://p.dw.com/p/4ztor Soldiers marching in perfect lockstep China's military parade this morning lasted for about 90 minutes and is considered to be one of the biggest it ever heldImage: Tingshu Wang/Reuters ADVERTISEMENT Skip next section What you need to know What you need to know China's Xi welcomes Russia's Putin, North Korea's Kim and other leaders at World War II victory parade in BeijingThe parade commemorates 80 years since Japan surrendered to end the Second World War The event comes as China, North Korea and Russia deepen ties in opposition to the US and the West Kim's daughter also traveled to China, in what is believed to be her first public international trip At least 50,000 spectators at Tiananmen Square watched the Chinese military showcase its equipment This blog is now closed. Below is a roundup of China's WWII victory parade and other events in Beijing from Wednesday, September 3: Skip next section Closing summary: China shows off arsenal and deepening ties at major military parade 09/03/2025September 3, 2025 Closing summary: China shows off arsenal and deepening ties at major military parade Xi Jinping rides in a black limousine before parade beginsXi Jinping rides in a black limousine before parade begins Xi Jinping urged China to move ahead with building a world-class militaryImage: Tingshu Wang/REUTERS Chinese leader Xi Jinping said the world must choose between "peace and war," in a speech that he made as China showed off its military arsenal at a massive parade in Beijing. Xi welcomed some two dozen foreign leaders and other foreign representatives, including North Korea's Kim Jong Un, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. This was the first time Xi, Putin and Kim appeared together at a public event, with the three showing a willingness to forge deeper ties in defiance of the US-led global order. Putin and Kim hug each otherPutin and Kim hug each other Putin invited Kim to Russia after the two leaders met for formal talks after the paradeImage: Alexander Kazakov/Sputnik/REUTERS Xi not only showed "diplomatic heft" by placing "himself as the center of a new constellation of power," as DW correspondent Rik Glauert said, but he also used the event to show China's inventory to potential buyers of technology. China unveiled new weapons, showcasing hypersonic missiles, anti-drone systems and long-range missiles, with many making an appearance at the parade for the first time. Kim's daughter — a new entrant to the world of politics — traveled with her father to make her debut on the international stage in Beijing. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, who also rolled out the red carpet for Putin just weeks ago, took note of the meeting of many US adversaries. He wished China a "great" day in a message on Truth Social, adding: "Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America."