Marking Victory, Showcasing Strength, and Pledging a Peaceful Future

China commemorated the 80th anniversary of its victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War with a large military parade in Beijing's Tian'anmen Square. The event underscored China's commitment to peaceful development amidst global instability.

President Xi Jinping led the parade and reviewed the troops. He was joined on the Tian'anmen Rostrum by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong-un of North Korea, and over twenty other foreign leaders. Representatives of those who supported China during World War II, or their families, were also invited.

In his address, Xi stated that the commemorations aimed to remember history, honor those who died, value peace, and work towards a better future. He highlighted the significance of the resistance war as China's first complete victory against foreign aggression in modern times. He emphasized the Chinese people's contribution to the defense of world peace, achieved through immense sacrifice.

Xi noted that the world faces a choice between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation, and cooperation or competition. He affirmed China's commitment to peaceful development and its willingness to collaborate with the world to build a shared future for humanity. He called on the Chinese people to unite and work hard under the leadership of the Communist Party of China to strengthen the nation and advance national rejuvenation.

Xi also called on the People's Liberation Army to become world-class forces, safeguarding national sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and contributing to global peace and development.

The parade featured over 10,000 military personnel, over 100 aircraft, and hundreds of ground armaments organized into 45 formations. The display included advanced weaponry such as unmanned intelligence and counter-unmanned equipment, hypersonic missiles, directed-energy weapons, electronic jamming systems, and strategic weaponry capable of global strikes. These included land-, sea-, and air-based strategic forces. Chinese soldiers who had participated in United Nations peacekeeping operations also participated in the parade.

Prior to the commemorations, Xi and his wife greeted foreign delegations and took a group photo. Xi also signed an order commending all personnel involved in the military parade.