Beijing, September 3, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday joined world leaders at China’s grand military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of World War II Victory Day, underscoring Pakistan’s growing diplomatic profile in the region.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and PM Shehbaz arrived together at the parade venue in Beijing, a symbolic gesture reflecting Pakistan’s close engagement with regional powers. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was notably absent from the event, reportedly not invited.
The parade also marked a historic diplomatic moment as Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appeared together publicly for the first time.
Other leaders in attendance included Vietnam’s President Luong Cuong, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić, Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko — who also held sideline talks with President Putin.
In his keynote address, President Xi highlighted the importance of preserving peace and learning from history, declaring: “We must eliminate the root cause of war and prevent historical tragedies from recurring.” He reaffirmed China’s commitment to the path of peaceful development while showcasing the country’s military strength and regional alliances.
