# Cheers could be heard around Beijing today as China’s capital lit up with pomp, pageantry and patriotism for a massive parade showcasing the country’s latest military hardware. Members of the public lined the streets, while the few thousand who had tickets gathered in Tiananmen Square. Giant, golden numerals “1945” and “2025” were erected on the square, a reminder of the 80 years that had passed since the end of World War II. In never-seen-before scenes, Xi was pictured shaking hands and chatting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
China’s latest military hardware on display as Xi, Putin and Kim build relations