A major military parade was held to commemorate China's victory and the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender at the end of World War II. Kim, the leader of North Korea, and Putin, the president of Russia, attended the event hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Chinese leader Xi Jinping said in a speech on Wednesday that the world must choose between "peace and war". 
The speech came as China paraded its military arsenal at one of Beijing's biggest parades.
Xi was greeted at the ceremony by Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Mesut Bizshkyan and other leaders.
It was the first time Xi, Putin and Kim appeared together at a public event, with the three showing willingness to cement ties in defiance of the US-led global order. Xi Jinping also used the event to showcase China’s inventory of technology to potential buyers.
China has unveiled new weapons, including hypersonic missiles, anti-drone systems and long-range missiles, many of which appeared on the military parade for the first time.
Russian President Putin with North Korean President Kim
On the sidelines of the ceremony, Russian President Putin met with North Korean President Kim and expressed gratitude for the support he received from North Korea in a war with Ukraine.
US president comments on Truth Social
In a message on Truth Social, US President Donald Trump, who brushed Putin’s red carpet just weeks ago, referred to the meeting of many US adversaries. He wished China a "great" day, adding: "Please extend warmest greetings to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, while plotting against the United States of America."
