China Military Parade 2025: Xi, Putin, Kim Unite in Beijing

On Wednesday, China marked the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender at the end of World War Two with its largest military parade of all. It was an event that galvanized world leaders to stand up for unity against the west. This was starkly represented in the individuals that endorsed that unity physically. With Chinese President Xi Jinping interspersed with Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un.

This type of gathering is unknown, pointing to Beijing’s expanding global footprint and ambition to create a new world order beyond U.S. hegemony. It clearly demonstrated changing international relations. Both Putin and Kim came to Beijing while being isolated by the west for it’s invasion of Ukraine and North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.

A Display of Military Force

More than 50,000 spectators gathered in Tiananmen Square to see the carefully choreographed “Victory Day” parade. The event featured aerial demonstrations, marching units of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers, and weaponry systems. Some of the highlights included:

• Missiles capable of hypersonic speeds
• Drones
• Sophisticated tanks and armored battle vehicles.

The performance — 70 minutes of spectacle — was preceded by considerable work. Coordination with city-wide security, late-night rehearsals and, of course, the shutting down of main streets and schools.

The Dance and Speeches

The sessions started at 9:00 am. At 6:30 IST (or Beijing time). Xi inspected the soldiers before making the keynote speech from the Gate of Heavenly Peace watched over by a portrait of Mao Zedong, overlooking Tiananmen Square.

Xi’s remarks mark part of World War Two which created modern China. He noted the power China showed in its resistance against Japan’s invasion as part of the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” Also, It linked the trials of the past with the ambitions of today. He noted the role of China and Soviet Russia in fascism’s defeat, defending the post-war order.

China’s Quest for a New Global Order

Furthermore, The parade occurs only days after Xi had presented his vision for a new global order at a regional security summit.
He called for unity against “hegemonism and power politics,” an obvious jab at the U.S. Also, He considered it Donald Trump’s way of trade politics under the “America First” mantra.

Putin took advantage of the moment and established tighter energy deals with China. Furthering Moscow’s economic relationship with Beijing, at a time when the west’s sanctions continue to squeeze Russia.

The event presented a major opportunity for Kim Jong Un to gain surreptitious legitimacy for North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. As it would be his first serious multilateral engagement and the first time in 66 years that a North Korean leader experienced a Chinese military parade.

Worldwide Responses and Geostrategic Ramifications

While the west stayed away, nearly two dozen non-western leaders attended. It included Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who made a surprise appearance despite domestic protests.
The military display is a mix of symbology and strategy. It gives the signal that Beijing wants to be seen as a protector of a multipolar world and to challenge US hegemony and gain support from countries seeking alternatives to western-led systems.

Beijing’s Latest Parade in the News

The Beijing parade has quickly become one of the most followed recent news updates. People were interested not just for its size, but for the significance of Xi standing alongside Putin and Kim. Analysts suggest this demonstrates an even greater consolidation of power among nations that are frequently in opposition to western policies.

China’s most monumental military display was not merely a display of military hardware; it conveyed a sense of purpose. Xi Jinping is establishing China as the guardian of a new global order, standing shoulder to shoulder with leaders, including Putin and Kim Jong Un, defining a changing world order. The consequences of the global response are still underway, but a display of solidarity in Beijing might be a tipping point in the relations, shifting alliances for years.