Beijing hosted China’s largest-ever military parade on Wednesday, showcasing the country’s expanding military power as President Xi Jinping welcomed international guests, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
The event, broadcast live by state-run CGTN from Tiananmen Square, drew thousands of spectators and opened with a volley of gun salutes.
Ahead of the parade, Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, greeted visiting leaders before accompanying Putin, Kim, and others to the viewing stand. Xi is expected to deliver a keynote speech during the ceremony.
Putin arrived in Tianjin on August 31 for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit before traveling to Beijing, while Kim reached the Chinese capital on Tuesday aboard his armored train. His attendance marks his first participation in a multilateral event since taking power in 2011.