Beijing has hosted a grand military parade marking eighty years since the end of WW2, with Xi Jinping standing alongside Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un in a rare joint appearance. Xi framed the event as a moment for nations to choose between ‘peace and war’, as China unveiled an extensive array of modern weaponry, including huge nuclear-capable underwater drones, and futuristic defence systems. With more than 50,000 chosen  spectators present, the spectacle highlighted China’s military ambitions and global positioning. The gathering drew leaders from Iran, Pakistan, Vietnam, Zimbabwe, and others, though most Western leaders declined invitations. Xi emphasized unity and prosperity in his toast, urging nations to reject ‘the law of the jungle’. After the parade, at bilateral talks, Putin praised Pyongyang for contributing troops to fight in Ukraine; it is estimated that there are now 15,000 North Korean troops there.