China’s military day Parade: 9 world leaders present at Tiananmen Square with Xi Jinping
Vladimir Putin
Russia’s Putin was present beside Xi Jinping at Tiananmen Square, symbolising the deepening Sino-Russian strategic alignment and shared vision to challenge Western-led global structures.
Kim Jong Un
North Korean leader Kim’s presence at the parade is his first appearance at a foreign military parade since 2019, underscoring North Korea’s alignment with Beijing and Moscow amid heightened sanctions and global isolation.
Masoud Pezeshkian
Iran’s president attended the celebrations, reflecting Tehran’s growing partnership with China and Russia in an emerging anti-Western coalition claiming a multipolar world order.
Min Aung Hlaing
Myanmar’s junta chief was in attendance, reinforcing Beijing’s diplomatic engagement with regimes ostracised by the West and consolidating influence in Southeast Asia.
Norodom Sihamoni
Cambodia’s King was also present at the event, reflecting close ties with China and Cambodia’s pivotal role in China’s regional outreach across Asean.
Anwar Ibrahim
Malaysia’s prime minister also witnessed the event, signifying Kuala Lumpur’s balancing act between Western ties and deepening Chinese engagement in trade and regional security.
Shehbaz Sharif
Pakistan prime minister’s presence at the event showcases the enduring strategic relationship with China, central to bilateral cooperation and regional diplomacy.
Luong Cuong
Vietnam’s President Luong Cuong attended the event amid improving ties with China, in spite of historical tensions, underscoring evolving regional diplomacy in Asean.
Robert Fico
One of two European leaders present, Slovakia’s Prime Minister Fico’s attendance reflected his pivot toward Eastern alliances and criticism of Western sanctions on Russia.
10 most competitive countries in the world in 2025