China’s Xi Jinping gathered almost two-dozen world leaders to watch one of his country’s largest-ever military parades on Wednesday morning, an unprecedented event for an axis of nations challenging the US-led world order.
Among the modern weapons unveiled during the parade were a brand new nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile, advanced underwater drones and a new model of hypersonic missile. The event was held to mark the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat and the end of the Second World War.
Xi posed for a group photograph that featured North Korea’s Kim Jong Un and Russia’s Vladimir Putin – the first time the three are believed to have ever gathered in one place – as well as the leaders of Iran, Pakistan, Indonesia and others.
Watching on from Washington, Donald Trump posted a sarcastic message on Truth Social wishing Xi a “great” day before adding: “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America.”
Xi began the parade with a speech harking back to the events of 1945, saying: “Today humanity again has to choose between peace and war.”
After the parade Xi hosted a reception lunch for the visiting world leaders, and Kim and Putin were holding bilateral talks at a separate venue.
China’s Xi revelled in his immaculate parade – leaving Trump to stamp his feet in Washington
All the new weapons unveiled by China at Xi Jinping’s massive military parade
Who is Kim Ju Ae – Kim Jong Un’s ‘heir apparent’ making foreign debut at China military parade
Putin’s rehabilitation is almost complete – he’s busy trying to ‘make Russia great again’
Key Points
- China unveils new generation of nuclear capable ballistic missile
- China displays HQ-29 space defence system capable of taking down satellites
- Kim tells Putin North Korea is ready to do 'everything' for Russia
- China's largest-ever military parade begins with 80-gun salute
- Donald Trump sends regards to 'conspiring' Xi, Putin and Kim
Indonesia's Prabowo, China's Xi discuss $80bn Giant Sea Wall in Java island
12:25 , Namita SinghIndonesian president Prabowo Subianto and China's president Xi Jinping discussed a plan to build a wall along the northern coastline of Java island, which Jakarta calls the Giant Sea Wall project, Prabowo's office said.
Prabowo met with Xi in Beijing, after making a surprise attendance at China's military parade despite protests at home.
Prabowo's government has previously said the wall project for climate adaptation would take 15 to 20 years to build with a total cost of $80bn.
North Korea’s Kim and South Korean parliament speaker shake hands in Beijing
12:15 , Namita SinghNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Un shook hands with the speaker of South Korea's National Assembly, Woo Won-shik, in Beijing on Wednesday, Woo's office said.
The pair shook hands before the start of a military parade they were attending in China to celebrate the formal surrender of Japan in World War II, his office said in a statement.
Woo was representing South Korea at the event.
Along with South Korean president Lee Jae Myung, Woo has called for the resumption of dialogue between Seoul and Pyongyang after a period of particularly strained ties.
North Korea has so far rebuffed overtures from Seoul and said it was not interested in talking to South Korea.
Video: China unleashes robotic wolves at V-Day Parade
12:04 , Namita SinghPutin meets North Korea's Kim in Beijing
11:51 , Namita SinghRussian president Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met for bilateral talks in Beijing on Wednesday.
The two leaders met formally at the Diaoyutai state guest house after attending a major military parade in the heart of the Chinese capital that marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.Mr Putin and Mr Kim travelled from a formal reception to the negotiations in the same car, the Kremlin said in a post on social media.
After a bilateral meeting between Russian and North Korean delegations, the two leaders held a one-on-one meeting, the Kremlin said. Mr Putin also invited Mr Kim to visit Russia again, following on from the North Korean leader's last visit to the country in 2023.
Speaking in front of journalists as the talks began, Mr Putin praised the bravery and heroism of North Korean soldiers who fought alongside Moscow's troops to repel a Ukrainian incursion into Russia's Kursk border region.
In his opening remarks, Mr Kim said that cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow has "significantly strengthened" since the two countries signed a strategic partnership pact in June last year during a summit in the North Korean capital.
In Pictures: Xi, Kim and Putin meet in Beijing
11:46 , Namita Singh
Xi talks of peace as he displays military might
11:26 , Namita SinghXi Jinping, who has been positioning China as a stabilising force in an unstable world, said humanity must choose between peace and war and dialogue and confrontation.
"The Chinese people's rejuvenation cannot be blocked, and the noble goal of the peaceful development of human civilisation must triumph," Xi said at the end of his speech.
An analyst at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore said the turbulence in US policy is an opportunity for China.
"This is the right time for China to announce its arrival on the stage, to be a security guarantor, to fill the political, economic, military, diplomatic vacuums," said James Char, an assistant professor in the China Program.
China’s military might at display
11:22 , Namita SinghChina’s splashy commemoration marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II is a way to boost support for Communist Party rule by showing the progress made by the country.
The Asia superpower was a major front in the war where millions died during Japan's invasion.
Parade showed off drone submarines and hypersonic missilesHighlights of the weaponry in the parade included the AJX002 underwater drone, a long, black, tube-shaped craft that looks like a narrow submarine with a rear propeller.
Other weapons that got attention were hypersonic missiles designed to take out ships at sea and a new intercontinental ballistic missile, the DF-61, which could carry nuclear warheads to distant targets.
The hypersonic weapons are of particular concern to the US Navy, which patrols the western Pacific from its 7th Fleet headquarters in Japan.
Fighter jets and bombers flew across the sky, some painting rows of colored exhaust in unison. Helicopters flew in formation, one group of 26 spelling out the number "80" for the war's anniversary year.
What was on the menu of world leaders after the parade?
11:02 , Namita SinghChinese president Xi Jinping welcomed the world leaders for a grand lunch at the Great Hall of the People after showcasing their military might.
According to Hong Kong - based newspaper, Wen Wei Po, the guests were served with chicken soup with conch meat and lily bulbs, roasted lamb chops, stir-fried lobster with crab meat, roe and egg white, a clear scallop consommé with assorted mushrooms, and roasted salt-marinated salmon with creamy mustard sauce.
The banquet hall itself was beautifully decorated, with tables draped in white table cloth and adorned with flowers, wine glasses, name cards, and panda-shaped chopstick rests.
Chinese people are not afraid of violence, Xi says at military parade
10:44 , Namita SinghChina showcased its military might in a parade this morning marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, a show of strength as it seeks to wield greater influence on the global stage.
Leader Xi Jinping, speaking before the parade, paid tribute to Chinese veterans of the war. Since coming to power in 2012, he has sought to build China into a country that cannot be bullied and is strong enough to stand up to foreign powers.
"The Chinese people are a people that are not afraid of violence and are self-reliant and strong," he said.
The Chinese military showed off aerial and underwater drones, hypersonic missiles and fighter jets and bombers in a 90-minute event attended by the leaders of about two dozen countries, including Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un.
Watch: China unveils cruise missiles and hypersonic missiles in military parade
10:22 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarSome of the weapons unveiled during the event included brand-new nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles, advanced underwater drones and a new model of hypersonic missile.
Watch: China unveils cruise missiles and hypersonic missiles in military parade
President Xi revelled in his immaculate parade – leaving Trump to stamp his feet in Washington
09:45 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarTrump’s moves to undermine the West have not only made Xi look good – but make him more powerful, writes world affairs editor Sam Kiley
President Xi revelled in his parade – leaving Trump to stamp his feet in Washington
Putin-Kim meeting ends after two-and-a half hours
09:28 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarBilateral talks between Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un have ended after two-and-a half hours, the Russian state media reported.
Mr Putin has invited Mr Kim to visit Russia, the Kremlin said.
Kim will declare China trip a diplomatic victory, says analyst
09:16 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarReclusive North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un can claim a diplomatic victory with Pyongyang going from being unanimously sanctioned by the UN Security Council for its illegal nuclear and missile programs to being embraced by UNSC permanent members Russia and China, says Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul.
Mr Kim and Russia's Vladimir Putin were the chief guests at today's parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War Two.
"Pyongyang has profited from contributing to Moscow’s war of aggression against Ukraine, while China remains North Korea’s most important economic partner.
“Despite their extensive human rights abuses, Kim and Putin were given the most honoured positions immediately to the left and right of Xi, standing side by side as they reviewed a parade of China’s expanding military capabilities, including nuclear-armed missiles," he said.
"The event was more commemorative than policy substance, but further economic and military cooperation among participating countries is likely to follow. It remains to be seen whether the Xi-Putin-Kim trilateral appearance will be a one-off. It is hard to see them meet[ing] as often as US, Japanese, and South Korean leaders, who can gather at UN, APEC, ASEAN, NATO, and other multilateral summits."
North Korea's Kim and South Korean parliament speaker shake hands
09:12 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Un shook hands with the speaker of South Korea's National Assembly, Woo Won Shik, in China, according to Mr Woo's office.
The pair shook hands before the start of a military parade they were attending in China to celebrate the formal surrender of Japan in World War Two, his office said in a statement. Mr Woo was representing South Korea at the event.
Along with South Korean president Lee Jae Myung, Mr Woo has called for the resumption of dialogue between Seoul and Pyongyang after a period of particularly strained ties.
North Korea has so far rebuffed overtures from Seoul and said it was not interested in talking to South Korea.
Mr Woo also met president Vladimir Putin in Beijing and the Russian leader asked him if there was any message that he could relay to Mr Kim, the speaker's office added.
Foreign leaders pose with Xi Jinping and his wife for a group photo before the parade
08:55 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Kremlin responds to Trump's rant criticising Xi, Putin and Kim
08:40 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarRussia on Wednesday said that Vladimir Putin was not conspiring with China's Xi Jinping and North Korea's Kim Jong Un against the US, and suggested that perhaps president Donald Trump was being ironic with his criticism.
Mr Trump in a social media post berated the trio, adding that he was "very disappointed" with Mr Putin. The US president suggested that the three leaders were conspiring against the US
.Watching on from Washington as China's military parade began in Beijing, Donald Trump posted a sarcastic message on Truth Social, wishing Xi a “great” day before adding: “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America.”
Asked about Mr Trump's remarks by Russian state television, Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said that Mr Trump may have been being ironic.
"I would like to say that no one has been conspiring, no one has been plotting anything, no conspiracies," he said.
Australian politician criticised for attending China parade
08:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarAn Australian politician is receiving criticism for posing alongside Chinese president Xi Jinping, North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un and Russian president Vladimir Putin at a military parade in China.
Daniel Andrews, the former Victorian Labour premier, was seen standing several rows behind Mr Kim during the photo opportunity for leaders who arrived in China to witness the country's largest-ever military parade.
Bob Carr, the former foreign minister of Australia, is also reportedly in Beijing but chose to not attend the military parade.
Andrew Hastie, the shadow home affairs minister, called it a “parade for dictators”, and criticised Mr Carr’s and Mr Andrews’ presence in China.
“It’s a celebration of the Chinese Communist party,” he said, according to The Guardian.
Who is Kim Ju Ae – Kim Jong Un’s ‘heir apparent’ making foreign debut
08:14 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarSince her 2022 debut, Kim Ju Ae has increasingly been seen at military events. Her appearance at her father’s most important foreign engagement ever gives credence to speculation she is Kim’s heir apparent. Maroosha Muzaffar reports
Who is Kim Ju Ae – Kim Jong Un’s speculated heir making her foreign debut
Kim tells Putin North Korea is ready to do 'everything' for Russia
07:34 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Un told Russian president Vladimir Putin this afternoon that cooperation between the nations had greatly increased since they signed a partnership treaty in June 2024 and that he was willing to do "everything I can to assist" Russia.
Mr Kim was speaking at a bilateral meeting with Mr Putin in Beijing on the sidelines of a celebration to mark the anniversary of Japan's formal surrender in World War Two.
Russia's Putin thanked Mr Kim for the North Korean soldiers' courageous fighting against Ukrainian forces. "At your initiative, as is well known, your special forces participated in the liberation of the Kursk region," Mr Putin told Mr Kim.
"Your soldiers fought courageously and heroically."North Korean troops helped Russia earlier this year eject Ukrainian forces from Russia's western region of Kursk.
"I would like to note that we will never forget the sacrifices that your armed forces and the families of your servicemen have suffered," Mr Putin said.
"On behalf of the Russian people, I would like to thank you for your participation in the joint fight," he said, adding: "I ask you to convey my warmest words of gratitude to all the people of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea."
All the new weapons unveiled by China
07:26 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarFrom nuclear-capable ballistic missiles to space defence systems, China showcases at military parade extravagant weapons with the ‘entire world under its strike range’.
All the new weapons unveiled by China at Xi Jinping’s massive military parade
China's Xi says humanity should not return to 'law of jungle'
07:14 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarPresident Xi Jinping this afternoon said humanity should live in harmony and not "return to the law of the jungle" as he hosted a reception at the Great Hall of the People for the foreign leaders.
"History warns us that the belief in justice cannot be shaken. The aspiration for peace cannot be blocked. The strength of the people cannot be defeated," he said.
Putin and Kim share a car ride to reach venue to hold bilateral talks
07:06 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarRussian president Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have met to begin bilateral talks in Beijing.
The two leaders met formally at the Diaoyutai state guest house after attending the military parade in the heart of the Chinese capital marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two.
Mr Putin and Mr Kim traveled from a formal reception to the negotiations in the same car, the Kremlin said in a post on social media.
Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un arrive at the reception marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two
06:54 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Taiwan says it does not mark peace with gun barrel
06:51 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarTaiwan does not commemorate peace with the barrel of a gun, the self-governed island's president said, delivering veiled criticism of Chinese President Xi Jinping's military parade in Beijing to mark 80 years since the end of World War Two.
Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own territory, has repeatedly lambasted China for what Taipei sees as a distorted view of the war, as the Republic of China was the government at the time, fighting alongside the Allies.
The Republic of China government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong's communists and retains the formal name to this day.
Writing on his Facebook page to mark Armed Forces Day in Taiwan, President Lai said: "The people of Taiwan cherish peace, and Taiwan does not commemorate peace with the barrel of a gun.
He said the definition of fascism was broad, encompassing extreme nationalism, intense control of freedom of speech, secret police networks, and "overt cults of personality around strongman leaders".
'Axis of Upheaval' leaders pose for group photograph
06:10 , Adam WithnallThe world leaders attending China’s Victory Day parade posed for a group photograph with Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan.
Either side of them stand Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, who also enjoyed pride of place on the podium observing the parade.
Indonesia's president Prabowo Subianto completes the front row.
While leaders from most Western and developed economies stayed away from today’s parade, the number of representatives present shows China’s ability to muster support for its vision of a world order no longer dominated by the United States – what analysts have dubbed the Axis of Upheaval.
China debuts DF-5C that has 'entire world under its strike range'
05:32 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarChina displayed an upgraded version of its liquid-fueled intercontinental strategic nuclear missile – named the Dong Feng-5C – at today's Victory Day parade, part of a plethora of domestically-produced military hardware.
The missile now has an estimated range of more than 20,000km and features improvements in defence penetration and precision, the state-run Global Times reported.
The DF-5C intercontinental strategic nuclear missile has the entire globe under its strike range, it added.
"The DF-5C liquid-fueled intercontinental strategic nuclear missile integrated technologies and experiences throughout the development of China's previous DF series missiles, including technological advantages of the DF-5 series and DF-41 missiles. It provides significant strategic values," missile technology and nuclear disarmament expert Professor Yang Chengjun told state media.
Not just Kim and Putin: About two dozen world leaders attend parade
05:20 , Adam WithnallKim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin were not the only world leaders in attendance at today’s parade, though they were given the most prominent places alongside Xi Jinping.
Leaders from about two dozen countries joined Chinese President Xi Jinping to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with a military parade in the Chinese capital on Wednesday, in a show of solidarity among nations friendly to Beijing.
While leaders from the US, Western Europe, Japan, South Korea and India skipped the event, Xi showed Beijing's growing influence in the Global South and other emerging economies with his guest list.
Here's a glance at Xi's guests:
Joining Putin and Kim included Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, all considered US adversaries.
Russia's close ally Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko walked next to Kim after taking group pictures with other leaders.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who initially canceled his trip to China due to protests at home, made it to Beijing and took part in the event with his counterparts in Southeast Asia, such as Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni, Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Myanmar's military leader, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing was there too.
Other leaders from South and Central Asia also attended, including Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Kazakhstan president Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa was also on the guest list.
The only European leaders attending the parade were Serbia's Russia-friendly President Aleksandar Vucic and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico.
But former Romanian prime ministers Adrian Năstase and Viorica Dăncilă also joined in the group picture with current leaders.
Spectacular display of military hardware
04:38 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe Chinese military parade lasted about 90 minutes and showcased missiles, fighter jets and other military hardware — some of it displayed publicly for the first time.
China displayed a plethora of domestically-produced hypersonic missiles, new generation of nuclear triad, long-range missiles, anti-drone systems, strategic bombers and stealth drones.
Helicopters trailing large banners and fighter jets flew in formation above during the showcase thick with symbolism and propaganda which culminated in the release of 80,000 peace doves and colourful balloons.
Analysis: Xi says China is never intimidated by any bullies in a veiled attack on Trump
04:07 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarPresident Xi Jinping, during his speech, warned that the world is facing a choice between peace or war as he held his country's largest-ever military parade on Wednesday, flanked by Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un.
He appeared to make a veiled attack at US president Donald Trump and the Nato alliance as Xi called on nations to prevent historical tragedies from recurring.
The Chinese leader displayed an impressive amount of military hardware, ranging from nuclear-capable ballistic missiles to fighter jets, as he positions himself as the biggest leader in the East to counter Mr Trump's aggressive trade and geopolitical policies.
"Today, mankind is faced with the choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, win-win or zero-sum," Xi told a crowd of more than 50,000 spectators at Tiananmen Square, adding that the Chinese people "firmly stand on the right side of history".
"We will remain committed to the path of peaceful development. The Chinese People's Liberation Army has been and will always be the heroic armed forces that the people can trust and rely on."
He added: “The Chinese nation is never intimidated by any bullies and always forges ahead."
Xi has cast World War Two as a major turning point in the "great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation", in which it overcame the humiliation of Japan's invasion to become an economic and geopolitical powerhouse.
In pic: Balloons released into sky as parade ends
03:45 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
In pic: Thousands of doves released into the sky as parade concludes
03:43 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
China's largest-ever parade concludes
03:40 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarChinese president Xi Jinping and world leaders have begun leaving the gallery as the country’s largest-ever military parade concludes.
The parade ended with 80,000 doves being released into the sky.
China's shows off aerial capabilities
03:32 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Xi seen chatting with Putin and Kim during parade
03:24 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarPresident Xi Jinping is seen chatting with Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un as a ballistic missile formation passes during the parade.
China debuts two types of extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicles
03:17 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarChina has displayed two types of extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicles (XLUUVs).
The sea drone AJX002 is estimated to be around 60ft long. Their torpedo-shaped hulls and pump-jet propulsion systems revealed that the underwater vehicles were built to be stealthy.
The AJX002 features four lifting lugs along its hull, indicating that it is crane-assisted.
China operates the world's largest XLUUV programme with at least five distinct types already in the water, according to reports.
China displays YJ missiles as the West watches
03:09 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe Chinese military displayed the new YJ-15 missile along with the YJ-17, YJ-19 and YJ-20 hypersonic missiles.
The YJ missiles, short for "Ying Ji" or “eagle attack", can be launched from ships or aircraft and are designed to inflict critical damage on large vessels.
China is rapidly advancing in hypersonic weapons technology, a field that has drawn global attention for its ability to evade traditional defence systems.
China unveils new generation of nuclear capable ballistic missiles
02:55 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarChina has unveiled the Dong Feng-61 and the Dong Feng-31BJ nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles for the first time in a sobering reminder for the West of Beijing's growing military ambition.
China's ship-based laser weapon on display
02:47 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
China unveils HQ-29 space defence system capable of taking down satellites
02:44 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
China displays military might
02:42 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Donald Trump sends regards to 'conspiring' Xi, Putin and Kim
02:36 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe US president wrote on Truth Social: "The big question to be answered is whether or not President Xi of China will mention the massive amount of support and “blood” that The United States of America gave to China in order to help it to secure its FREEDOM from a very unfriendly foreign invader.
"Many Americans died in China’s quest for Victory and Glory. I hope that they are rightfully Honored and Remembered for their Bravery and Sacrifice!"
"May President Xi and the wonderful people of China have a great and lasting day of celebration. Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America."
In pics: Xi Jinping is now greeting troops during inspection
02:27 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
President Xi says 'China is never intimidated by any bullies'
02:20 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarPresident Xi says the world is "facing a choice of peace or war".
He adds: "Chinese people firmly stand on the right side of history".
"We will remain committed to the path of peaceful development. The Chinese People's Liberation Army has been and will always be the heroic armed forces that the people can trust and rely on.”
Mr Xi calls on nations to prevent historical tragedies from recurring.
He adds: “The Chinese nation is never intimidated by any bullies and always forges ahead."
In pic: President Xi Jinping begins his speech by welcoming foreign leaders
02:11 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Chinese president Xi Jinping began his speech by welcoming the world leaders and expressing “sincere thanks to foreign governments, friends and comrades, who supported the Chinese people in resisting aggression”.
China's largest-ever military parade begins with 80-gun salute
02:03 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarChina has kicked off its largest-ever military parade, showcasing its growing firepower and geopolitical clout, as president Xi Jinping seeks to cast Beijing as the custodian of a post-US international order.
Flanked by Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un, Mr Xi was shown on television strolling up a red carpet to take his seat for the lavish event at Tiananmen Square to mark 80 years since Japan's defeat at the end of World War Two.
Wearing a suit in the style of those worn by former leader Mao Zedong, Mr Xi earlier greeted around two dozen largely non-western leaders in attendance, including Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto, who made a surprise appearance despite widespread protests at home.
The anticipated parade began with 80-gun salutes to commemorate 80 years of Japan’s defeat and the end of World War Two.
