China parades military with Russia and North Korea leaders

Front from left, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko arrive at a military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan's World War II surrender in Beijing, China, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025.

A Chinese military band takes part in a parade marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan and the end of World War II, in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square on September 3, 2025.

The event marking 80 years since Japan's defeat in World War II is the first public appearance together for the three leaders, "- a signal of their willingness to coordinate more openly in challenging the US-led global order.

Members of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) march on Chang'an Avenue at Tiananmen Square during a military parade to mark 80 years since Japan's defeat in World War II, held in Beijing.

Military personnel take part in a military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II held in front of Tiananmen Gate in Beijing.

Spectators watch as Chinese helicopters fly in formation during a military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Beijing.

Helicopters fly in formation during a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan and the end of World War II, in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square.

Two girls hold flags as they show the victory sign while waiting to watch military parade.

Members of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) march on Chang'an Avenue at Tiananmen Square.

Spectators watch as Chinese helicopters fly in formation during a military parade in Beijing.

A family rides a bike with a Chinese flag as they arrive to watch the parade.

Putin and Kim flanked Xi on the Tiananmen Gate Tower as Chinese soldiers fired a gun salute and carried out a flag-raising ceremony.

"With huge national sacrifice, the Chinese people made major contributions to saving human civilisation and safeguarding world peace," Xi said in a speech, which he began by paying tribute to Chinese veterans and those who contributed to the victory against Japanese aggression.