Xi Jinping Declares China’s Rise Unstoppable as Kim Jongun and Putin Stand by His Side

80th Anniversary Parade Marks China’s Victory Day
Historic Gathering as Leaders of North Korea, China, and Russia Meet for First Time in 66 Years
A ‘Historic Scene’ Unfolds on Tiananmen Gate Watchtower

Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and North Korean Chairman Kim Jongun (from left in the front row) are walking side by side toward the watchtower at 9 a.m. local time on the 3rd during the parade held at Tiananmen Square in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Victory over Japan and the World Anti-Fascist War. Beijing=Photo by TASS Agency

The leaders of North Korea, China, and Russia created a 'historic scene' by standing together on the Tiananmen Gate watchtower, gathering in one place for the first time in 66 years. China, positioned at the center of the 'anti-U.S. alliance,' publicly declared its intention to reshape the U.S.-led international order, stating, "Humanity must choose between peace and war."

On September 3 at 9 a.m. in Beijing, China held a military parade at Tiananmen Square to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The 70-minute parade began with a gun salute and a flag-raising ceremony.

Before the parade, Chinese President Xi Jinping greeted guests alongside North Korean Chairman Kim Jongun and Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the three ascended the watchtower together. On the watchtower, Chairman Kim stood to President Xi's left, while President Putin stood to his right. Notably, the leaders of North Korea, China, and Russia were also at the center when President Xi and his wife welcomed foreign guests and took commemorative photos at the southern square of Duanmen in the Forbidden City. As they moved toward the Tiananmen Gate, the three leaders walked together and engaged in friendly conversation, creating a warm and amicable atmosphere.

This is the first time since 1959 that the leaders of North Korea, China, and Russia have appeared together in an official setting. It has been 66 years since Chairman Mao Zedong, Soviet Communist Party Secretary Nikita Khrushchev, and North Korean President Kim Il Sung stood together on the Tiananmen Gate watchtower for the 10th anniversary parade of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

In his Victory Day speech, President Xi stated, "History warns that humanity prospers and perishes together. Today, humanity must choose between peace and war," emphasizing China's achievements in World War II. When he declared, "We will accelerate the building of a world-class military. The Chinese nation will never be intimidated by any form of bullying," he received enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Although he did not directly mention the United States, the use of the term "bullying" is interpreted as a reference to the U.S. China has frequently criticized the United States indirectly using terms such as unilateralism, protectionism, hegemony, and bullying.

Previously, The Wall Street Journal predicted that China would highlight its role in the victory of World War II and present the 'Chinese leadership system' as an alternative to the current international order. This forecast appears to have been largely accurate.

The highlight of the parade was the unveiling of new weaponry. China showcased advanced military assets, including the Dongfeng (DF) series of long-range missiles capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, hypersonic missiles, stealth fighter jets, submarines, drones, and laser-based air defense systems.

The United States maintained a calm demeanor outwardly despite closer ties between China and Russia. During the parade, U.S. President Donald Trump posted on the social media platform Truth Social, saying, "President Xi should answer for the fact that the United States provided massive support and shed blood so that China could secure its freedom from foreign invaders," and added, "Countless Americans lost their lives on the journey for China’s victory and glory. I hope they are rightly honored and remembered for their courage and sacrifice," indirectly criticizing China.

He further stated, "I hope President Xi and the great people of China have a wonderful and long-remembered anniversary," and added, "Please send my warm regards to Putin and Kim Jongun, who are conspiring against the United States."

The United States is also maintaining military vigilance. According to foreign media reports, the U.S. plans to deploy the Typhon medium-range missile system in Japan from November 11 to 25. This advanced weapon system, which can be equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles, previously drew strong opposition from China and Russia when news of its deployment first emerged.

Meanwhile, this year's parade was attended by 26 heads of state, including Chairman Kim and President Putin, as well as King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia, Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. From South Korea, National Assembly Speaker Woo Wonshik, who is second in protocol rank, attended the event.