"The process of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable, and the cause of peace and development for mankind will prevail," Chinese President Xi Jinping said at Tiananmen Square in Beijing this morning, opening the ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory over fascism.

The parade area featured artistic installations with flowers, doves, and the Great Wall symbol with the inscription 1945-2025.

Chinese President Xi Jinping reviews troops during a military parade in Beijing on 3/9. Photo: *Reuters*

"Humanity will once again face a choice between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation, win-win outcomes or mutually assured destruction," Xi said, calling on countries to "eliminate the root causes of war and prevent such tragedies from happening again."

"Common security can only be guaranteed when countries around the world treat each other as equals, live together in harmony, and support each other," the Chinese president added.

Xi Jinping reviewed the formations participating in the parade before tens of thousands of troops and hundreds of military vehicles passed the reviewing stand.

During the parade, the Chinese military unveiled several new weapons, including an air defense system specialized in countering drones, laser weapons, armed UAVs, advanced unmanned submarines, and numerous stealth aircraft.

The Chinese Ministry of National Defense stated that all weapons displayed in the parade were domestically produced and had been commissioned.

Chinese armored vehicles during the military parade in Beijing on 3/9. Photo: *Reuters*

Millions of Chinese perished in the conflict with Imperial Japan in the 1930s and 1940s, which later became part of World War II.

Japan signed the instrument of surrender to the Allied forces on 2/9/1945. General Douglas MacArthur, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers in Japan, ordered all Imperial Japanese troops to lay down their arms and surrender, including units stationed in China.

Chinese officials later designated 3/9 as the day of victory over Japanese fascism, marking the end of World War II.

Nguyen Tien (*AFP, Reuters, Xinhua*)