Putin, world leaders meet in China
Russian president Vladimir Putin and other world leaders gather in China, as Chinese president Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged on Sunday to resolve their border differences and bolster cooperation ahead of the opening of a regional summit in the city of Tianjin. Usha Haley, Barton Distinguished Chair in International Business at Wichita State University joins Carel Lajara to discuss how China is growing its diplomatic influence.
China showcased its military power Wednesday in a parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Here are some highlights from the spectacle:
China’s military parade
Big picture view:
The parade went through Tian’anmen Square, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The event aimed to boost support for the Communist Party by demonstrating China’s advancements since the war.
What we saw:
The Chinese military showed off aerial and underwater drones, hypersonic missiles, fighter jets and bombers, and nuclear-capable missiles in a 90-minute event. Much of the weaponry and equipment in the parade was being shown to the public for the first time, according to Chinese military officials.
China’s liquid-fueled intercontinental strategic nuclear missiles DongFeng-5C, which have a global strike range, pass through Tian’anmen Square during the V-Day military parade on September 3, 2025 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Sheng Jiapeng/China New
Chinese missile launchers take part in a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan and the end of World War II, in Tiananmen Square on September 3, 2025, in Beijing, China. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
The airborne unmanned warfare formation marches through Tian’anmen Square during a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Photo by Yao Dawei/Xinhua via Getty Images)
Military vehicles transport a four-legged robot past Tiananmen Square during the military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. (Photo by Johannes Neudecker/via Getty Images)
Laser weapons are seen during a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan and the end of World War II, in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square on September 3, 2025. (Photo by Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images)
Troops from traditional and modern military units marched by President Xi Jinping, who heads the military as the chairman of the Central Military Commission.
Troops make preparations before a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Photo by Ju Huanzong/Xinhua via Getty Images)
Members of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) march on Chang’an Avenue at Tiananmen Square during a military parade to mark 80 years since Japan’s defeat in World War II held in Beijing, China, on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. (Photographer: Qilai Shen/B
Local perspective:
Barriers were set up to keep the public one block away and commercial buildings along the parade route were emptied and closed until the parade ended. The subway system running along Chang’An Avenue was shut Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
The hero units’ banner formation and armament formations march through Tian’anmen Square during a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Photo by Li Xiang/Xinhua via Getty Images)
For most people, the only way to watch was on television or a livestream.
Russia and North Korea attended
Notable attendees:
Leaders from about two dozen countries attended, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin and a rare appearance from North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. The two met formally for talks after attending the parade.
China’s President Xi Jinping (C), North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un (2nd R) and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin (2nd L) arrive for a reception in the Great Hall of the People, following a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of victory over
Kim Jong Un’s daughter attended
Dig deeper:
Kim Jong Un brought his young daughter to the parade. The girl is believed to be named Kim Ju Ae and is around 12 or 13 years old. Not much else is known about her.
Since 2022, Kim Jong Un has showcased her at a growing number of major public events tied to his nuclear-armed military, fueling speculation she is being primed as the country’s next leader.
Trump’s response
What they’re saying:
As the parade got underway, U.S. President Donald Trump said on social media that the big question is whether Xi will recognize the contributions of Americans who fought in the war.
Xi’s remarks did not mention the U.S. by name but expressed his gratitude to foreign countries that helped China resist the Japanese invasion.
Dig deeper:
The U.S. also warily eyed the gathering of Xi, Putin and Kim.
“Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America,” Trump also said on social media.
The sentiment was matched by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, who called their meeting “intimidation.”
For me, that’s a threat … to smaller nations,” he told reporters.
The Source: Information in this article was taken from The Associated Press and Getty Images photographers. This story was reported from Detroit.
