Xi warned that the world faces a choice between peace and war, Trump mentioned "conspiracy against the US"

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned that the world faces a choice between peace and war as he held the largest military parade in his country's history on Monday, accompanied by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

The lavish event, which marked 80 years since Japan's defeat at the end of World War II, was largely ignored by Western leaders, while Putin and Kim - pariahs in the West over the war in Ukraine and Kim's nuclear ambitions - were guests of honor, according to Reuters.

The parade, designed to showcase China's military might and diplomatic influence, comes at a time when trade tariffs and the unpredictable policies of US President Donald Trump are straining Beijing's relations with allies and rivals alike.

"Today, humanity faces the choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, win-win politics or a zero-sum game," Xi told more than 50.000 spectators in Tiananmen Square, adding that the Chinese people "stand firmly on the right side of history."

Riding in a convertible, Xi then inspected troops and state-of-the-art military equipment such as missiles, tanks and drones.

Helicopters carrying large banners and fighter jets in formation flew overhead during the 70-minute event packed with symbols and propaganda, which culminated in the release of 80.000 peace doves and colorful balloons, according to Reuters.

Dressed in a suit modeled after those worn by former leader Mao Zedong, Xi earlier greeted more than 20 leaders on the red carpet, including Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who made a surprise appearance despite mass protests at home. Xi's wife, Peng Liyuan, could be heard saying "Nice to meet you" and "Welcome to China" in English to several guests.

Sitting between Putin and Kim, Xi repeatedly initiated conversations with both as troops and military equipment passed in front of them.

"Please convey my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un as you plot against the United States of America (US)," Trump wrote on the Truth Social platform as the event began. He also highlighted the US role in helping China get rid of Japan.

Trump had previously told reporters that he did not see the parade as a challenge to the U.S. A top Japanese government spokesman declined to comment on the parade, adding that Asia's two largest economies were building a "constructive relationship."

Vision of a new world order

Xi presented World War II as a key turning point in the "great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," in which the country overcame the humiliation of the Japanese invasion and became an economic and geopolitical power.

Earlier this week, Xi outlined his vision for a new world order at a regional security summit, calling for unity against "hegemonism and power politics" - a veiled message to a rival across the Pacific.

"Xi is convinced that the situation has changed. China is now back in control," said Wen-Ti Sung, a fellow at the Atlantic Council's Global China Hub, based in Taiwan, Reuters reported.

"People today talk more about Trump's unilateralism than about China's 'wolf warrior diplomacy' when they look for the main source of uncertainty in the international system," he added.

Analysts are watching to see whether Xi, Putin and Kim will signal closer defense ties following the pact Russia and North Korea signed in June 2024, and a similar alliance between Beijing and Pyongyang – which could change the military calculus in the Asia-Pacific region.

Putin has already seized the opportunity to solidify energy deals with China, while Kim has received implicit support for his banned nuclear weapons.

Kim made his debut at his first major multilateral event, becoming the first North Korean to attend a Chinese military parade in 66 years.

He arrived in Beijing with his daughter Ju Ae, who South Korean intelligence considers the most likely heir, although she was not seen next to him during the parade.

Impressive steps

Over the past two years, more than a dozen generals – many once close to Xi – have been removed from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in a major anti-corruption crackdown.

"The parade allows Xi to draw the world's attention to impressive strides in military modernization, while putting on the back burner the persistent problems plaguing the PLA, most notably the ongoing purges of top officers," said John Jin, a foreign policy analyst at the Brookings Institution, a US think tank.

Analysts say the parade was not only intended to showcase China's power abroad, but also to boost patriotic spirit at home.

In his keynote speech, Xi called the rebirth of the Chinese nation “unstoppable.” Civil servants across the country were tasked with watching the parade and writing down their observations, one of them told Reuters.

Nothing was left to chance for this historic event.

Main streets and schools in Beijing were closed, after weeks of detailed security preparations and midnight rehearsals.

Local authorities across the country have mobilized tens of thousands of volunteers and Communist Party members to monitor possible signs of unrest during the parade, estimates based on online recruitment ads show.