The eyes of the world are on China. As the Shanghai Cooperation organization (SCO) Summit in China was viewed as an alternative system to the Western-dominated international order. Simultaneously, on 3 September 2025, China will take the center stage at global level as it will host the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
The grand anniversary will be highlighted by a grand military parade and a series of ceremonies. This will honour the memory of the millions who sacrificed their lives for freedom, justice, and peace. It will also reflect China’s long-lasting commitment to safeguarding international harmony and preventing the return of fascism in any form.
This commemoration is not only a reminder of China’s valiant resistance during the Second Sino-Japanese War, but also a tribute to the broader international coalition that united against fascist forces in World War II. Such occasions are of immense significance in the history of nations and serves as memories of their valour and achievements. Similarly, this 80th anniversary signifies the shared struggle of nations and their peoples, who, despite immense suffering, stood resolutely for the principles of justice and sovereignty.
Furthermore, the 2025 commemoration holds additional diplomatic significance. Because it is taking place in the aftermath of the SCO Summit in Tianjin. The proximity of these two major events has brought together an extraordinary gathering of world leaders and dignitaries which is making the occasion both a historical remembrance and a forward-looking dialogue on global peace and cooperation.
The presence of world leaders and dignitaries magnifies China’s significance. As it is hosting a multilateral forum and the subsequent celebration of this anniversary together exhibit the country’s rising importance in international affairs.
According to Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei, 26 foreign heads of state and government will grace the Beijing parade with their presence. Alongside heads of state and government, senior representatives of several international organizations will also lend splendor to this event. Among them, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attendance accentuates the durable partnership and the present-day strength of Sino-Russian ties.
Likewise, from across Asia, leaders such as King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran, and Chairman Kim Jong Un of North Korea will join the tributary event. Central Asia will be represented by leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. This will also be reflecting the region’s shared historical and cultural bonds with China.
Similarly, the participation of President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico demonstrates the scope of international recognition of this historical milestone. African leaders including President Denis Sassou Nguesso of Congo and President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe will also stand in solidarity, while from the Americas, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel will represent a region that too suffered the turmoil of the world conflict.
China had also planned to invite U.S. President Donald Trump to attend the military parade on September 3 in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, reported by Kyodo News on June 29, 2025.
On the other hand, international institutions will further dignify the occasion, with ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn, CIS Secretary General Sergei Lebedev, and UN Under-Secretary General Li Junhua among the distinguished attendees. Their participation will echo the universal importance of remembering the lessons of history and upholding the collective responsibility of building a peaceful future.
The 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War celebration in Beijing is therefore more than a formal occasion. It is a solemn promise to remember the past, to honor the martyrs, and to renew the global commitment to peace and stability. Against the backdrop of the magnificent parade, the event will definitely reflect a timeless message — that unity in the face of adversity remains the greatest strength of humanity.
