PM Shehbaz, Putin, Kim Jong-un attend China's largest military parade

China on Sunday marked the 80th anniversary of its victory over Japan in World War II with a grand military parade at Tiananmen Square, showcasing its latest military technology.

The ceremony, attended by leaders from 26 countries, included Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, and Iranian President Masoud Peshmerga. Notably, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not invited to the commemoration.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was seated in the front row during the group photo of world leaders and received a warm welcome from Chinese President Xi Jinping.

In a symbolic moment, Sharif was seen alongside President Xi Jinping, President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as both leaders ascended the steps to the Tiananmen Rostrum.

The parade opened with an 80-gun salute, followed by highly synchronized marches from China’s army, navy, and air force. Advanced fighter jets performed flypasts, while tanks, missile carriers, and newly developed hypersonic and nuclear-capable weapons were also displayed.

Addressing the ceremony, President Xi Jinping stated that humanity today faces a choice between war and peace. He stressed that history has proven the Chinese nation can never be intimidated by any bully, a veiled reference to the United States.

Xi, who also serves as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, called for transforming the People’s Liberation Army into a world-class military force.

He emphasised that the armed forces must safeguard China’s sovereignty and regional stability, while also contributing to global peace and development.

In a pointed message, Xi reiterated that no matter how powerful China becomes, it will never pursue expansionism. He urged nations to learn from history to prevent future tragedies, warning that the progress and prosperity of the Chinese people cannot be stopped.

The event also honored surviving veterans of World War II, many of whom are now over 90 years old. They fought in the 14-year-long resistance against Japanese aggression, which ended with Japan’s surrender in 1945.