Chinese President Xi Jinping warned on Tuesday that humanity stands at a crossroads between peace and conflict as China showcased its latest military technology during a large-scale parade marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II.
Xi Calls for Peaceful Development
Speaking at the opening of the parade on Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, Xi urged the international community to pursue dialogue over confrontation.
“Today humanity is faced with a choice between peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, a win-win outcome or nothing at all,” Xi said.
He stressed that China remains firmly committed to the path of peaceful development, declaring that the Chinese people stand on the “right side of history, civilization, and progress.”
“The new energy of the Chinese nation is unstoppable, and the human endeavor for peace and development will prevail,” Xi added. He vowed that China would never bow to intimidation and would continue to look forward.
Military Might on Display
The hour-and-a-half-long parade featured thousands of troops and hundreds of military vehicles arranged in ten formations. Dozens of thousands of doves were released into the sky above Tiananmen Square at the conclusion of the event.
China unveiled a wide array of advanced weaponry, including laser systems, AI-powered drones, nuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles, large underwater drones, hypersonic missiles, and new missile defense systems. One highlight was a tank specially equipped with anti-drone defenses.
A particularly striking innovation presented to the world was a fleet of so-called “robot wolves.” These four-legged robotic devices, resembling wolves, are reportedly capable of frontline reconnaissance, supply delivery, and precision strikes. According to Chinese media, they are successors to “robot dogs” first showcased last year during joint military drills with Cambodia.
World Leaders in Attendance
The parade drew 26 foreign leaders, including North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, and Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić.
Notably absent was U.S. President Donald Trump. Writing on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump reminded that the United States also aided China during World War II.
“Many Americans died in China’s fight for victory and glory. I hope they are rightly honored and remembered for their courage and sacrifice,” Trump said.
In a pointed remark, he added that Xi should also greet Putin and Kim on his behalf, claiming the trio is conspiring against the United States.
Kremlin Responds to Trump’s Remarks
In Moscow, the Kremlin dismissed Trump’s suggestion of a conspiracy as likely tongue-in-cheek.
“I think he did not say it without irony, that the trio is plotting against the U.S.,” Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov told state television, according to AFP.
