Xi Jinping declared that the world faces a choice between peace and war during China’s largest-ever military parade, which was attended by Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un in a display of defiance toward the West.
Putin and Kim, the authoritarian leaders of Russia and North Korea, joined dozens of other world leaders at the event. The parade showcased extensive military equipment and personnel, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, which China refers to as the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.
“Today, humanity is once again confronted with the choice between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation, mutual benefit or zero-sum outcomes,” Xi told the crowd of over 50,000 spectators. He emphasized that the Chinese people “firmly stand on the right side of history” and described China as a great nation that “is never intimidated by any bullies”—a veiled reference to the U.S. and its allies—adding that China is “unstoppable.”
After his speech, Xi reviewed the parade from an open-top vehicle, greeting troops and receiving salutes as military hardware rolled by and warplanes flew overhead.
The event capped a week of diplomatic efforts by China, with Xi hosting numerous leaders in Tianjin to promote groups led by the Global South—and dominated by China—as alternatives to Western-led alliances like NATO. This long-term strategy has been bolstered by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs and unpredictable policies, which have strained U.S. relations with both allies and rivals.
Analysts noted that the image of the three autocratic leaders chatting and shaking hands on the red carpet in Tiananmen Square sent a powerful message of defiance to the West. “Beijing is signaling that even if Western countries continue to sanction Russia over the Ukraine war, China will not hesitate to stand by its friend,” said Wen-Ti Sung, a non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Global China Hub.
China promoted the parade as a show of unity with other nations. Kim’s presence marked the first time he has been seen publicly with both Xi and Putin, and it was only his second reported trip abroad in six years.
The event drew a swift reaction from Trump, who posted on his Truth Social account: “May President Xi and the wonderful people of China have a great and lasting day of celebration. Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un as you conspire against The United States of America.”
Shortly after the parade, Russian state media reported that Kim and Putin held a formal meeting, during which Kim expressed his willingness to “do everything I can to assist” Russia, calling it a “fraternal duty.” According to South Korean assessments, North Korea has sent around 15,000 troops to Russia since the two countries signed an agreement last year. Putin reportedly thanked Kim for the bravery and heroism of North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces.
Putin’s visit to Beijing coincided with a major Russian air attack on Ukraine, which injured at least four railway workers and prompted Poland to scramble defense aircraft.
Other attendees included Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing. No major Western leaders were present. Kim was accompanied by his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, as shown in images released by North Korean state media.
Analysts are closely watching to see if a formal meeting among Xi, Putin, and Kim takes place. “If all three were to meet, it would be very striking to the United States, highlighting a potential new cold war dynamic,” said L.I am Chuan-Tiong, a researcher at the University of Tokyo’s Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia. “If such a meeting does not happen, it is likely because China does not want to provoke the US too much while keeping some strategic ambiguity.”
Analysts focused on the military equipment displayed at the parade, including tanks, drones, long-range and nuclear-capable missiles, fighter jets, and stealth aircraft. Several newly developed assets were unveiled.
Drew Thompson, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, said the hardware is meant to “make the United States, Europe, and China’s neighbors think twice before challenging China’s core national interests.”
Chinese military officials noted that some weapons were shown to the public for the first time, such as hypersonic missiles designed to target ships at sea. These are of particular concern to the US navy, which operates in the western Pacific.
Also on display were underwater drones like the AJX002 and a new intercontinental ballistic missile, the DF-61, which China says can carry nuclear warheads to distant targets.
Jennifer Parker, an adjunct fellow in naval studies at UNSW Canberra, said the parade was more about sending a message than showcasing new capabilities. “You don’t hold a parade like this just to commemorate the end of World War II. You do it to show force, and you select the capabilities to send a specific message,” she explained. “They are trying to demonstrate a conventional and nuclear force that can operate across all domains with advanced technology.”
Xi Jinping’s speech repeatedly mentioned the “rejuvenation of the Chinese nation”—a phrase often tied to his broader vision for China’s future, which includes bringing Taiwan under Chinese control. Xi and the Chinese Communist Party consider Taiwan a Chinese province currently governed by illegal separatists. The Taiwanese government and people reject this claim.
Under Xi, the People’s Liberation Army has undergone significant modernization, though it has also faced corruption issues. In recent years, there have been extensive purges of officials and personnel, on a scale not seen since Mao Zedong’s era.
Additional reporting by Jason Tzu Kuan Lu and Daisy Dumas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the topic designed to be clear and helpful for a range of readers
General Beginner Questions
1 What is this news story about
Chinese President Xi Jinping gave a speech at a major defense forum warning world leaders that the international community faces a critical choice between pursuing a path of peace or one of conflict and confrontation
2 Who else was there that made this significant
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un were both in attendance at the same event a military display in China which added to the global attention on the forum
3 Where and when did this happen
The event was the opening ceremony of the 10th Beijing Xiangshan Forum a major Chinesehosted defense summit It took place on October 30 2023
4 Why is Xi Jinping giving this warning
He is positioning China as a responsible global leader for peace and stability especially as conflicts like the war in Ukraine and tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea continue
Deeper Advanced Questions
5 Whats the significance of Putin and Kim being there together
Their joint presence especially amid the Ukraine war and North Koreas alleged arms supplies to Russia is seen as a show of solidarity between these three nations who often oppose Western foreign policy It highlights a potential shift in global alliances
6 Was Xis message aimed at any specific countries
While not named directly the warning is widely interpreted as a criticism of the United States and its allies whom China often accuses of bloc confrontation and escalating tensions in regions like AsiaPacific
7 How does this message align with Chinas actions
Theres a contrast China promotes a message of peace and dialogue but also continues its own military modernization assertive actions in the South China Sea and holds a no limits partnership with Russia a country actively engaged in conflict
8 What is the Beijing Xiangshan Forum
Its Chinas premier annual security and defense forum often presented as an alternative to the Westerndominated ShangriLa Dialogue held in Singapore Its a platform for China to share its strategic vision and build influence particularly with Global South nations
Practical Implications Common Questions
9 How might this affect the war in Ukraine
It suggests China will continue its diplomatic
