In a grand display of international solidarity, Chinese officials have confirmed that 26 foreign heads of state and government will join President Xi Jinping for the Victory Day commemorations on September 3. This event marks the 80th anniversary of China's victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the broader World Anti-Fascist War, featuring a massive military parade through Tiananmen Square that will showcase advanced weaponry, troops, and aircraft in a show of national strength and historical remembrance.

Among the high-profile attendees are Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, whose participation underscores deepening ties among the trio amid global tensions. Kim's rare international trip highlights the significance of the occasion, as he seldom ventures abroad. Other notable figures include Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Reports indicate that no Western leaders will be present, with the exception of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, emphasizing the event's alignment with non-Western alliances.

The parade follows closely on the heels of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, set for August 31 to September 1 in nearby Tianjin. This 25th anniversary gathering of the SCO will draw over 20 world leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrives after a two-day visit to Japan, as well as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and heads from 10 international organizations. The summit, the largest in the bloc's history, will focus on regional security, economic cooperation, and counter-terrorism, with recent additions like Belarus expanding its membership and influence. Many SCO participants are expected to extend their stay for the Beijing parade, blending multilateral diplomacy with historical pageantry.

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The invitations have drawn attention from Japan, which has expressed concerns through its embassies that the commemorations carry anti-Japanese elements and advised leaders to weigh their participation carefully. In response, China has formally protested to Tokyo, urging Japan to confront its wartime history honestly, abandon militarism, and pursue peaceful development while honoring the feelings of affected nations like China.

Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei emphasized the parade's role in promoting peace and anti-fascism worldwide, inviting global reflection on WWII lessons. With thousands of troops and state-of-the-art military hardware on display, the event promises to be a pivotal moment in China's calendar, reinforcing its narrative of resilience and rising global stature.

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