President Xi Jinping welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan with Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to Beijing to the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japanese aggression, marked by a magnificent military parade showing China’s global power.
The presence of Putin and Sharif signals stronger China-Russia ribbons that could change the balance of power in the long term.
Chinese President Xi Jinping stands in a car in Beijing, China, on September 3rd 2025 [Reuters]
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President XI, also Secretary General of the Communist Party in China, President of the State and President of the Central Military Commission, led the parade and inspected People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops who marsed along Chang’an Avenue.
More than 45 military formations participated in the parade and showed China’s military power through a series of impressive weapons and machines.
China shows its YJ-15 missiles: Reuters
The parade showed advanced military hardware including the 99B tank, hypersonic missiles and Dongfeng 31 and Dongfeng 60 land-based intercontinental missiles that highlight China’s strategic deterrence.
Julang 3 submarine-launched missile and red flags 20 and 19 Air defense systems demonstrated additional China’s growing capacity in nuclear defense, air defense and autonomous combat systems.
🇨🇳🚀china’s DF-5 Intercontinental atomic missiles, with a strike area that can cover the entire planet, was shown on the parade of Beijing. This missile is almost impossible to intercept and can reach the US or Europe in just 20 to 30 minutes. pic.twitter.com/tfz3u18a5k
– Defense Intelligence (@DI313_) September 3, 2025
China’s DF-5 Intercontinental Nuclear Missiles, picked up from X
One of the most symbolic moments of the event was the release of 80,000 peace duver and colorful balloons that signaled China’s message of peace in the midst of its powerful military display.
More than 50,000 spectators at Tiananmen Square saw air screens. The parade participated in 26 world leaders who marked the global importance of this anniversary and China’s increasing influence on the international scene.
![Members of the PLA Air Force March during a military parade [Reuters]](https://i.Pakinomist.com.pk/media/images/11756895236-0/11756895236-0.png)
Members of the PLA Air Force March during a military parade [Reuters]
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According to ReutersAnalysts are watching signs of closer defense ties between XI, Putin and Kim after recent covenants between Russia-North Korea and China-pyongyang, which could change military dynamics in Asia and the Pacific, with Pakistan also adapted to China.
President Xi ended his speech with a strong message and said, “The Chinese nation achieved victory through great victims, and now it is our responsibility to learn from history and work against the protection of peace.”
