Members of the People's Liberation Army Ground Assault Force stand on armored vehicles as they take part in a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, in Beijing, China, on September 3, 2025. MAXIM SHEMETOV / REUTERS
Chinese leader Xi Jinping, speaking before a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, said Wednesday, September 3, that humanity must choose between peace and war and between dialogue and confrontation.
Xi started a brief address by remembering the Chinese veterans of the war and called for eradication of the roots of war to prevent history from repeating itself. The parade began after he spoke with troops marching in rhythmic lockstep, their boots echoing off the pavement, for a review by Xi, who is also head of China's military as chairman of the Central Military Commission.
The parade showcased missiles, modern fighter jets and other military might as China seeks to wield greater influence on the global stage. Some of the military hardware was on public view for the first time.
Before they started marching, Xi rode by the entire length of the formations along Beijing’s central Chang'an Avenue in a classic-style black limousine. He stood up through an opening in a roof with four microphones lined in front of him and greeted flanks of troops as he passed them and rows of missiles and military vehicles. They shouted back mottos in unison such as “We serve the people.”
