THE world is facing a choice between peace or war, Chinese President Xi Jinping warned today during celebrations to mark the end of World War II. 

He was joined in Beijing by Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and dozens of other world leaders at China’s largest-ever military parade.

The three leaders met for the first time, holding private talks after the parade in a show of diplomatic unity.

China also flexed its military muscle during the parade marking 80 years since the country’s victory over Japan, revealing aerial and underwater drones, hypersonic missiles and fighter jets and bombs.

Addressing more than 50,000 people in Tiananmen Square, Mr Xi said: “Today, humanity is again faced with the choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, win-win or zero-sum.”

He declared that China “is never intimidated by any bullies” and “unstoppable.”

Mr Xi also said that the world must “never return to the law of the jungle, where the strong prey on the weak” during a lunch reception speech stressing the establishment of the United Nations and international law as achievements of anti-fascist victory.

“We sincerely hope that all countries will draw lessons from history, value peace and work together to … create a brighter future for humanity,” he said.

He concluded by toasting to “common prosperity for all humankind.”

Speaking before he met Mr Kim, Mr Putin praised North Korean soldiers who fought alongside Russian troops during a recent Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk border region.

Mr Kim said ties with Moscow had “significantly strengthened” since the two countries signed a strategic partnership pact in June 2024.

He stressed that “if there’s anything I can do for you and the people of Russia, I will consider it as a fraternal duty and will be prepared to do everything possible to help.”

US President Donald Trump, who was not in attendance, posted on social media: “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un as you conspire against the United States of America,” in an apparent message to Mr Xi.

Mr Putin’s foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov, later commented on the post, saying: “I want to say that no-one has been plotting anything, no-one was weaving any conspiracies.”