Overview

• Beijing says the parade at Tiananmen Square on September 3 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
• North Korea’s KCNA states Kim will travel to China to take part in the commemorations at Xi Jinping’s invitation.
• Russia’s Vladimir Putin is also attending, with China listing a total of 26 foreign heads of state and government.
• Most Western leaders are skipping the event, with Slovakia’s prime minister Robert Fico noted as an exception by Chinese officials.
• Organizers say the highly choreographed display will feature over 10,000 troops and advanced systems including fighter jets, missile defense assets, and hypersonic weapons.