Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un were present at a significant military parade in Beijing on Wednesday. This event showcased new missiles, drones, and advanced military equipment in a striking display of power.
Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted the “Victory Day” celebration, which commemorated the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat during World War II. He issued a stark warning about the current global situation, suggesting that the world faces stark choices between “peace or war.” His remarks hinted at China’s assertive posture.
“Humanity today has to choose between peace and war, dialogue and conflict, win-win situations or zero-sum games,” Xi stated at Tiananmen Square, emphasizing that China is “unstopped” and believes its citizens are “firmly on the right side of history.”
This parade marked a rare occasion where Xi, Putin, and Kim were seen together publicly. Following the parade, the three leaders officially convened at a guesthouse in a Chinese province.
In a somewhat related note, President Trump expressed his discontent over Russia’s defiance concerning tariffs impacting relations with China and the ongoing war in Ukraine. He mentioned in a social media post a desire for Xi to “give me my warmth” in the context of a perceived conspiracy between Putin and Kim against the US.
While the US delegation didn’t attend the parade, over 25 foreign leaders were in attendance, including Iranian President Palia Masudo Pezeshkian and Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.
The 70-minute spectacle featured marching soldiers, helicopter and fighter jet formations, and concluded with the release of 80,000 pigeons. It highlighted China’s military advancements, including missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
Among the new weapons displayed was the DF-61 intercontinental ballistic missile, reportedly capable of traveling over 7,500 miles and carrying multiple warheads. Also showcased were the silo-based DF-5 and DF-5C, with an estimated range of about 12,500 miles, according to reports.
Additionally, the long-range JL-1 Airland nuclear-capable missile as well as missiles from the JL-3 class launched from the sea were also part of the display. This was a historic moment for the Chinese military, as it marked the first “centralized presentation of a strategic nuclear triad,” which was described by China’s official Xinhua news agency as crucial for the nation’s sovereignty and dignity.
Moreover, new anti-ship missiles, including the YJ-15, YJ-17, YJ-19, and YJ-20, were unveiled, capable of operating over high-supersonic ranges and long distances. The event also featured the J-35 Stealth Multi-Roll Fighter and various reconnaissance and attack drones, along with submarine drones.
According to the parade announcer, all these weapons are part of China’s extensive modernization program aimed at enhancing both its nuclear and traditional military capabilities, essentially working to deter conflict in various combat scenarios.
