Xi Jinping has sent a chilling message to the West after hosting China's biggest ever military parade today (3 September), with some of the world's most powerful leaders.
Stood alongside the President of the People's Republic of China was Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Supreme Leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-Un.
The Chinese leader showed off some of the nation's latest military equipment, as he invited a large number of world leaders to watch his nation flex their muscles at their V-Day celebration.
Noted absentees included the likes of US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
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Only two Western leaders - Slovakia’s Robert Fico and Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia - were in attendance.
The impressive parade was meant to show off 'the most powerful laser air defence system in the world', showcasing the technological advances made by the Asian nation.
But this wasn't all, as Xi would also send a harrowing warning out to those around the world of a choice between 'peace or war'.
Twenty-six world leaders oversaw the event alongside 50,000 onlookers, with Xi gleefully smiling while walking with the group.
When addressing the thousands of troops, the Chinese leader stated: "Today, mankind is faced with the choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, win-win or zero-sum."
Speaking to those at Tiananmen Square, he assured that China would 'firmly stand on the right side of history'.
He claimed that his aim was to unify the nation, hinting towards his expected attack on Taiwan, which the latter is bracing itself for.
When going past the lines of soldiers, they chanted 'We serve the people' to their leader.
But Trump, who wasn't best pleased about his misplaced invite, took to Truth Social to send a message to Xi directly.
Speaking about the 'support and blood' that the American people gave China to 'help secure its freedom', he added: "Many Americans died in China’s quest for Victory and Glory. I hope that they are rightfully Honored and Remembered for their Bravery and Sacrifice!"
The US President went on: "May President Xi and the wonderful people of China have a great and lasting day of celebration.
"Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America."
One of the main attractions of the parade was the 183-tonne Dongfeng-5C hypersonic nuke, which can carry up to 12 warheads.
The East Asian nation claims that they can hit any target in the world at speeds of 16,700mph, meaning the US or UK would be mere minutes away.
After 70 minutes, the parade came to a close as 80,000 peace doves and balloons were released despite Xi, Putin, and Kim's intention to unite against the West.
Whether it be Russia's reluctance to end its war with Ukraine, China's conflicts with Hong Kong and anticipated invasion of Taiwan, or North Korea's arsenal of nukes, you'd be forgiven for twitching a bit in your seat.
Topics: China, Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong-un, World News
Joshua Nair