Beijing on Wednesday rolled out a massive military parade to mark 80 years since the end of World War II. About two dozen foreign leaders are in attendance, looking to strengthen ties with Beijing amid US tariff tension.Among the most watched guests are North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iran’s president. Leaders from Southeast Asia are also present.Troops march in lockstep past president Xi Jinping, who also heads the Communist Party and the military. Xi is expected to deliver a speech at the event. Beijing is showcasing its latest missiles, fighter jets and advanced weapons, with many being shown publicly for the first time, officials said, reported news agency Associated Press. It is China’s first large-scale military parade since 2019.

The parade is tightly controlled, with barriers keeping the public at a distance and businesses along the route shut until the event ends. For most Chinese citizens, the only way to watch is through television or online livestreams.