More than two dozen foreign leaders are set to attend a military parade in Beijing on Sept. 3, 2025, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Chinese President Xi Jinping warned of a choice between peace and war as China showcases its military might.

Leaders from over 20 countries, including Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, will attend the “Victory Day” parade in Beijing. Xi Jinping pledges to bolster China’s military capabilities to defend sovereignty. The parade will feature missiles, tanks, soldiers, and fighter jets.

Western leaders are largely absent from the parade, with eight leaders from Southeast Asia attending. South Korea’s president declined the invitation, while Kim Jong Un’s presence signals warming ties with Beijing. China seeks to keep North Korea close amid growing cooperation with Russia.

China held its last military parade in 2019 to mark the 70th anniversary of the Communist Party’s rule. Xi Jinping abolished term limits in 2018. Putin had attended China’s 2015 parade marking the end of WWII, with other world leaders present. The event commemorates China’s victory over Japanese aggression.

Read more at CNBC: China’s Xi says the world faces ‘peace or war’ as Trump claims Beijing conspiring against U.S.