Xi sat between Putin and Kim during the parade, engaging in several discussions as troops and weaponry moved past. According to Russian sources, Putin thanked Kim for North Korean support in Ukraine during a meeting at China’s State Guesthouse. Meanwhile, Trump posted on Truth Social as the parade began, citing U.S. support in China’s World War Two liberation. This is the first time in 66 years that a North Korean leader attended a Chinese military parade. The parade also underscored China’s military advancements amid internal challenges.