President Dr Mohamed Muizzu was among 20 world leaders who attended the 80th Anniversary Commemoration of the Victory of the Chinese People in the Second World War, held Wednesday morning at Tiananmen Square in Beijing.

The parade — China’s largest in a decade — showcased its growing military strength with choreographed displays of drones, hypersonic missiles, and fighter jets. For the first time, China unveiled its full nuclear “triad” of land-, sea-, and air-launched nuclear-capable missiles, including the Jinglei-1, Julang-3, and the Dongfeng series.

Chinese President Xi Jinping was joined by Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un, and other world leaders visiting China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit.

Following the parade, President Xi hosted a reception at the Great Hall of the People in honour of the international guests.

President Muizzu’s participation underscores the Maldives’ growing role in international diplomacy and its engagement with China through platforms such as the SCO Summit 2025.