Beijing — China flexed its might and muscle on Wednesday at a military parade in Beijing showcasing its latest missiles, advanced weapons systems and drones. In his address, President Xi Jinping said his nation was “unstoppable.”

It was China’s biggest military parade ever, meant to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and Japan’s formal surrender. But the massive “Victory Day” procession down Chang-an Avenue — the name of which means “Eternal Peace” — carried a much broader message. Standing next to Xi for the parade were Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un.

Security in the sprawling Chinese capital was extra tight. All buildings overlooking the parade route were locked down as the leaders and other dignitaries from 26 countries took in the spectacle, along with some 50,000 spectators.

It was a landmark moment for Xi, China’s 72-year-old leader. It was the third and most important military parade he has overseen since coming to power in 2012.

China’s President Xi Jinping (center), North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (right) and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin (left) arrive for a reception in the Great Hall of the People, following a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan and the end of World War II, in Beijing, Sept. 3, 2025. JADE GAO/AFP/Getty

As commander-in-chief of the world’s largest standing armed forces, he watched smiling as tens of thousands of troops under his orders goose stepped in perfect unison toward Tiananmen Square in central Beijing with the sound of cannons ringing through the air.

It was a visceral display of China’s growing military might and newest hardware, including hypersonic weapons, nuclear capable missiles, a new laser weapon, fighter jets and underwater drones. But it also pointedly showed off Beijing’s growing clout as a geopolitical power, with deepening ties to some of the United States’ most potent adversaries.

The message from the stage, with Xi, Putin and Kim standing shoulder to shoulder, was undeniable: strength in solidarity, and a challenge to the U.S.-dominated world order that has prevailed for a century.

Together, they have been dubbed an “Axis of Upheaval” by some Western analysts, and Xi’s decision to bring together the leaders of some of the most heavily sanctioned nations in the world was clearly calculated. The parade was the first time that Kim had ever appeared together with both Xi and Putin — offering him a first multilateral diplomatic event.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian and the leader of Myanmar’s ruling military junta, President Min Aung Hlaing, were also there, according to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Xi and Putin have made their ambition to shake up the global status quo clear for several years.

“We, together with you and with our sympathizers, will move towards a multipolar, just, democratic world order,” Russia’s longtime Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in 2022, ahead of a meeting with his Chinese counterpart.

The gathering in Beijing represented a clear challenge to President Trump’s claim to be fostering close working relationships with Xi, Putin and Kim.

Mr. Trump had a go at China on social media, saying American soldiers deserve credit for helping China defeat Japanese forces during WWII. He went on to accuse China, Russia and North Korea of conspiring against the U.S., which a Kremlin spokesperson dismissed as possible irony.

Members of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army stand as Unmanned operations group displays the HSU100 unmanned underwater vehicle during a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, in Beijing, Sept. 3, 2025. Tingshu Wang/REUTERS

Xi’s bond with Putin was on clear and deliberate display in the days leading up to the parade, as well.

China and Russia have declared their “no limits partnership” and, while China claims to maintain a neutral stance on Russia’s war in Ukraine, Beijing’s support of the war effort — by providing dual-use technology and continuing to purchase Russian oil and gas in defiance of Western sanctions, has proven to be an economic lifeline funding Putin’s three-and-a-half-year war.

During talks at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People on Tuesday, Putin hailed “unprecedentedly high relations” with China and thanked his “dear friend” Xi for the warm welcome.

Kim’s support for Russia’s war has been even more direct. Since October last year, North Korea has sent around 13,000 troops, along with conventional weapons, to support Russia’s war effort. South Korea’s intelligence services estimate that around 2,000 North Korean troops have been killed fighting alongside Russian forces.

A pool photograph distributed by the Russian state media shows North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a welcoming ceremony at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, June 19, 2024. GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/POOL/AFP/Getty

The parade was a show of both China and Russia’s implicit support for Kim’s nuclear weapons program, which remains the subject of numerous United Nations sanctions.

Xi burnished his credentials as a geopolitical powerbroker at a regional security summit in Tianjin, northern China, that ended on Monday. He hosted more than 20 world leaders there, including Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“We should uphold fairness and justice,” Xi declared at the gathering of the Shanghai Corporation Organization, seemingly trying to claim moral high ground amid the upheaval and strained relationships caused by Mr. Trump’s global trade war and isolationist policies. “We must oppose the Cold War mentality, block confrontation and bullying practices.”

Without mentioning the U.S. or its president by name, Xi told the assembled leaders of non-Western countries: “We must continue to take a clear stand against hegemonism and power politics.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (center) speaks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, Sept. 1, 2025 in Tianjin, China. Suo Takekuma/Pool/Getty

On Monday Xi, Putin and Modi were shown together smiling and laughing at the summit — a deliberate public display of warmth and camaraderie. Just last week, the U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on India for buying Russian oil.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, a close ally of Mr. Trump, called the summit “performative” and accused China and India of being “bad actors” for fueling Russia’s war.

At the parade this week, Xi was not only asserting China as a reliable and stable partner, but also showing off his country’s burgeoning alliances, influence and military power — and the potential to back up his vision of a new world order. It was a message that many see as being aimed squarely, if not entirely, at China’s rival across the Pacific.

contributed to this report.

It was a photo-op choreographed for maximum impact: China’s President Xi Jinping, flanked by Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un.

The three leaders, smiling side by side and surrounded by other mostly authoritarian leaders, had been brought together for the first time by Xi, drawn in by an iron-clad alliance with Beijing and a growing dissatisfaction with the West.

Their photo had the desired effect, sending shock and awe across the world and even provoking a barbed response from US President Donald Trump.

Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and Kim Jong Un arrive for a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. (Reuters: Sputnik/Sergey Bobylev/Pool)

And it set the backdrop for the Chinese leader to deliver a short but powerful warning to the West.

“The Chinese nation is the great nation that is never intimidated by any bullies,” he proclaimed, standing atop the Gate of Heavenly Peace in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square.

Xi issued the warning while presiding over China’s largest-ever military parade on Wednesday, marking 80 years since the end of World War II.

The extravagant procession through the streets of Beijing featured more than 10,000 troops and impressive displays of advanced weaponry and military hardware.

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It was the first time China had hosted a military show in six years, and it gave the world a rare insight into the enormous technological advancements in Xi’s war kit.

Beijing unveiled a new “triad” of nuclear missiles, drones and lasers, and broadcast them to billions of eyes.

And behind the display was a powerful subtext: China’s military can match other world superpowers.

China’s battle-ready experience has not been tested in decades, but there is now little doubt Xi wants the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to be considered a serious rival to the United States.

And Xi’s message would be felt not only in Washington, but by closer regional players, including Australia, as tensions continue to rise in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.

In his speech, Xi hinted at his military ambitions in the Pacific.

“[The PLA will] resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity,” he said — code for Beijing’s goal of getting control of Taiwan.

But the warning wasn’t just about China’s military muscle — it was also a caution to the US on behalf of Xi’s powerful allies, standing literally beside him.

Ambitions for a new world order

Russia, North Korea, China and India have all been hit hard by US-imposed sanctions and tariffs, which have pushed the four nations even closer together in a powerful, growing alliance.

As the custodian of the bloc, Xi’s comment about bullying was a direct challenge to Trump.

Minutes after the speech, the US president fired back on social media.

“Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against the United States of America,” he wrote on Truth Social.

China, Russia and North Korea are sending a powerful message Photo shows Two men smile in the cabin of an SUV vehicle as one drives. Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin have today sent a powerful message to the world.

On Chinese social media, Xi’s message to Washington appeared to be met with celebration.

“China has declared its formidable military strength to the world, ensuring it will never again be bullied!” one user wrote.

Xi has spoken openly about his ambition to achieve a new global order and challenge US-led worldwide norms.

And now it’s more evident than ever that his firepower and geopolitical clout are growing.

What is Putin’s new pipeline?

Both during his recent trip to Beijing, and during today’s economic forum in Russia, Vladimir Putin has spoken about the planned Power of Siberia 2 (PS-2) gas pipeline.

The project could one day deliver an additional 50 billion cubic metres of gas per year to China via Mongolia, allowing Beijing to hedge against any future reliance on American gas.

While Xi Jinping’s guest of honour, Russian media announced a “breakthrough” agreement was signed on PS-2, but Gazprom have said that pricing is yet to be agreed.

Speaking on Wednesday, Putin claimed there was “no charity” involved in the pipeline agreement – with Russia reliant upon China’s trade to keep its economy afloat. However, he added Moscow would give Beijing gas at a price lower than Europe.

“The growing Chinese economy has needs, and we have the opportunity to supply these raw materials,” he said.

“Everyone is satisfied, everyone is happy with this result, to be honest, and so am I.”

What is Putin’s new pipeline?

Both during his recent trip to Beijing, and during today’s economic forum in Russia, Vladimir Putin has spoken about the planned Power of Siberia 2 (PS-2) gas pipeline.

The project could one day deliver an additional 50 billion cubic metres of gas per year to China via Mongolia, allowing Beijing to hedge against any future reliance on American gas.

While Xi Jinping’s guest of honour, Russian media announced a “breakthrough” agreement was signed on PS-2, but Gazprom have said that pricing is yet to be agreed.

Speaking on Wednesday, Putin claimed there was “no charity” involved in the pipeline agreement – with Russia reliant upon China’s trade to keep its economy afloat. However, he added Moscow would give Beijing gas at a price lower than Europe.

“The growing Chinese economy has needs, and we have the opportunity to supply these raw materials,” he said.

“Everyone is satisfied, everyone is happy with this result, to be honest, and so am I.”

Xi Jinping said the world was facing a choice between peace or war as he held China’s largest-ever military parade, joined by Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un in a show of defiance to the west.

Putin and Kim, the authoritarian leaders of Russia and North Korea, were among dozens of world leaders who attended the parade, a massive display of military hardware and personnel, orchestrated to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the second world war, which China calls the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.

“Today, humanity is again faced with the choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, win-win or zero-sum,” Xi told the crowd of more than 50,000 spectators, adding that the Chinese people “firmly stand on the right side of history”.

He said China was a great nation that “is never intimidated by any bullies” in an apparent veiled reference to the US and its allies, and warned that China was “unstoppable”.

After his remarks, Xi stood in an open-top car to inspect the parade, greeting troops and receiving salutes, as miles of military hardware drove by and warplanes flew overhead.

The event bookended a week of diplomatic grandstanding in China, with Xi hosting dozens of leaders in Tianjin, in a push to elevate groups dominated by the global south – and led by China – over western-led groups such as Nato. The years-long campaign has been aided by US president Donald Trump’s trade tariffs and volatile policymaking, which has strained its relations with allies and rivals alike.

But it was the unprecedented image of the three autocratic strongmen chatting and shaking hands as they walked along the red carpet in Tiananmen Square on Wednesday, that sent the strongest message of defiance to the west.

View image in fullscreen Vladimir Putin arriving for the military parade. Photograph: Sergey Bobylev/AFP/Getty Images

China has touted the parade as a show of unity with other countries, and Kim’s attendance is the first time he has been seen with Xi and Putin at the same event. It is only Kim’s second reported trip abroad in six years. The event drew an almost immediate reaction from Trump.

“May President Xi and the wonderful people of China have a great and lasting day of celebration,” Trump posted on his Truth Social account. “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong-un, as you conspire against the United States of America.”

Responding to Trump’s comments, the Kremlin said that “no one is plotting anything”.

The EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, described the meeting of the three leaders as a “direct challenge to the international system built on rules … It’s not just symbolic. Russia’s war in Ukraine is being sustained by Chinese support.”

0:42 ‘He should come to Moscow,’ Putin says about peace talks with Zelenskyy – video

The analyst Wen-Ti Sung, a non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Global China Hub, said: “Beijing is sending a message … that even if western countries continue to sanction Russia over the Russia-Ukraine war, Beijing will not be afraid to stand by its friend.”

Just hours after the parade, officials reported that Kim and Putin had held a formal meeting, in which Kim said he was willing to do “everything I can to assist” Russia, describing it as a “fraternal duty”, Russian state media reported.

According to South Korean assessments, North Korea has sent about 15,000 troops to Russia since they signed an agreement last year. Putin reportedly thanked Kim for the bravery and heroism of North Korean soldiers who fought alongside Russian troops.

Putin’s appearance in Beijing came as Russia launched a sweeping overnight air attack on Ukraine, injuring at least four railway workers and prompting Poland to scramble defence aircraft.

Among the other guests in China are the Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian, and the Myanmar junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing. No major western leaders are attending. Kim has been accompanied by his daughter Kim Ju-ae, images released by North Korean state news showed.

The office of Indonesia’s president, Prabowo Subianto, said he had met Putin on the sidelines of the parade on Wednesday. Prabowo defied large protests at home to travel to Beijing for the military celebrations.

Prabowo also met Xi on Wednesday. Chinese state media said Xi had expressed his support for Prabowo in restoring stability to Indonesia as soon as possible.

View image in fullscreen Armoured vehicles and troops during the parade. Photograph: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images

Analysts made much of the military hardware on display; from tanks and drones to long-range and nuclear capable missiles, fighter jets and stealth aircraft, with several newly developed assets unveiled.

The hardware is intended to “give the United States, Europe and China’s neighbours pause should they consider challenging China’s core national interests”, said Drew Thompson, a senior fellow at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore

Some of the weaponry being shown to the public for the first time included hypersonic missiles designed to take out ships at sea, according to Chinese military officials. These weapons are of particular concern to the US navy, which patrols the western Pacific.

Also on display were underwater drones, including the AJX002, and a new intercontinental ballistic missile, the DF-61, which China says could carry nuclear warheads to distant targets.

Jennifer Parker, adjunct fellow in naval studies at UNSW Canberra, said the parade was more about China sending a specific message than signalling new capabilities. “You don’t do a parade like this to commemorate the end of world war two. You do a parade like this to show force, and you are choosing the capabilities that you put into that parade to send a specific message,” she said.

Xi’s speech contained several references to the “rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” – a common phrase for Xi’s overarching plan for China’s future, which hinges on annexing Taiwan as Chinese territory.

Xi and the Chinese Communist party claim Taiwan is a Chinese province, currently run by illegal separatists. Taiwan’s government and people are opposed to this.

The People’s Liberation Army has been undergoing large-scale modernisation and advancement under Xi, but it has also been beset by corruption issues, and in the past few years there have been purges of officials and personnel at levels not seen since the Mao Zedong era.

Additional reporting by Jason Tzu Kuan Lu and Daisy Dumas