Xi-Putin-Kim at China's Military Parade, China shows off new weapons

China is celebrating the anniversary of Japan’s formal surrender in World War II with a large-scale military parade in Beijing on Wednesday. President Xi Jinping was joined by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, marking the first time the three leaders have appeared together at such an event.

This also marks Kim Jong-un’s first visit to China since 2019. Xi and Kim were seen sitting side by side and engaging in conversation during the parade.

The Chinese State Council released a list of 26 invited world leaders attending the event, including:

• Vietnamese President Luong Cuong

• Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko

• Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian

• Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa

• Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić

• Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel

• Myanmar’s Acting President Min Aung Hlaing

• Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

• Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif

• Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico

In his opening speech, President Xi declared, “An indomitable China cannot be intimidated.”

China showcased several advanced weapons during the parade, including laser weapons, nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, and large underwater drones—highlighting its growing military capabilities.