Chinese President Xi Jinping has described his country’s rise as ‘unstoppable’ during a major military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Showcasing China’s military strength, a selection of weaponry was on show during the parade, including hypersonic missiles and underwater drones – some displayed for the first time.
A new intercontinental ballistic missile, the DF-61- was unveiled, a weapon that could carry nuclear warheads to a distant target
Following the parade, Putin and Kim met for bilateral talks with Beijing.
Speaking to journalists as the meeting began, Russia’s president praised the bravery and heroism of North Korean soldiers who have fought alongside Russian troops in Ukraine.
The ceremony began with an 80-gun artillery salute, followed by the Chinese national anthem.
During his opening speech, President Xi said humanity must choose between peace and war.
“The Chinese people are a people that are not afraid of violence and are self-reliant and strong,” he said.
“We will adhere to the path of peaceful development and work hand in hand with people of all countries to build a community with a shared future for mankind.”
Around two dozen foreign leaders were in attendance, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Putin and Kim stood side by side with Xi as they made their way to a platform overlooking Tiananmen Square.
As the parade got underway, the US President Donald Trump took to social media saying that the big question is whether Xi will recognise the contributions of Americans who fought in the war.
“Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against the United States of America," he added.
During his address, Xi did not mention the US; however, he expressed his gratitude towards foreign countries that helped China resist the Japanese invasion.
Asked about Trump’s social media post, Putin told reporters that “the president of the United States is not without a sense of humour,” but sought to assure that "over these four days, during negotiations of all kinds, both in formal and informal settings, no one has ever expressed any negative judgments on the current American administration.”
The Russian president also quashed hopes of a possible meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"It’s a path to nowhere to meet with the current head of administration, to put it carefully," said Putin.
He added that it was not an impossibility, claiming that when Trump broached the idea of a meeting between the warring nations, "I said yes, it is possible. After all, if Zelenskyy is ready, he should come to Moscow, and the meeting will take place."
• Subscribe to ITV News on YouTube: http://bit.ly/2lOHmNj
• Get breaking news and more stories at http://www.itv.com/news
Follow ITV News on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@itvnews?lang=en
Follow ITV News on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itvnews/
Follow ITV News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itvnews/
Follow ITV News on X: https://twitter.com/itvnews
