China stages massive military parade in Tiananmen Square

China showcased its military might on Tuesday with A 90-minute parade through Tiananmen Square.

(CNN)- China showcased its military might on Tuesday with A 90-minute parade through Tiananmen Square, featuring thousands of uniformed troops and an array of advanced weaponry.

Soldiers marched in formation while tanks, combat vehicles, attack helicopters, and fighter jets rolled and flew past crowds. Among the most notable displays were new forms of drone warfare — including helicopter drones and, for the first time, two large undersea drones.

While the event highlighted discipline and firepower, it was the foreign dignitaries flanking Chinese leader Xi Jinping that captured global attention. Xi walked a red carpet to Tiananmen Gate alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin on his right and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on his left.

The appearance underscored growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, particularly in Ukraine, where Pyongyang has reportedly provided both weapons and troops to Moscow.

During his address, Xi struck a dual tone — calling for peace while also marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II.