Chinese President Xi Jinping has hosted his country's largest-ever military parade in Beijing with guests of honour Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, sparking fury from Donald Trump.
The show of force was held in the infamous Tiananmen Square to mark 80 years since Japan's defeat at the end of the Second World War.
Dressed in a similar suit to that of predecessor dictator Mao Zedong, the Chinese premier could be seen riding in an open-top limousine before he inspected troops and state-of-the-art military equipment.
The avenue leading to the square was lined with missiles, tanks, drones, and helicopters while large banners flew in formation above.
PICTURED: YJ-17 missiles being displayed as part of the parade
|REUTERS
And though Mr Trump has been invited to China, he took to social media to rage at the cameos from his Russian and North Korean counterparts.
The US President said: "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."
He also asked whether "President Xi of China will mention the massive amount of support and 'blood' that the United States of America gave to China in order to help it to secure its freedom from a very unfriendly foreign invader".
But Mr Trump had previously said that he did not view the parade as a challenge, and reiterated his "very good relationship" with the Chinese President.
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PICTURED: Members of the People's Liberation Army Ground Assault Force stand on armoured vehicles as part of the parade
|REUTERS
PICTURED: Unmanned aerial drones being displayed as part of the parade
|REUTERS
Mr Xi himself told the crowd of more than 50,000 people at the parade that "today, mankind is faced with the choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, win-win or zero-sum".
He added that the Chinese people "firmly stand on the right side of history" and that China "does not fear force".
Kim Jong-un became the first North Korean leader to attend a Chinese military parade in 66 years.
He was accompanied by his daughter, Ju Ae, who is widely considered to be his successor.
PICTURED: Soldiers marching during the parade
|REUTERS
According to Mr Xi, the Second World War was a major turning point in the "great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation" and becoming an global economic powerhouse.
Earlier this week at a regional security summit, he spoke of his desire for a new world order.
He also called for unity against "hegemonism and power politics" in a swipe against Mr Trump's tariffs.
Mr Putin seized the parade as an opportunity to seal more energy deals with China.
The parade was attended by 50,000 spectators
|REUTERS
While it is believed Mr Kim may visited to gain international support for his banned nuclear weapons.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was also among the international leaders making an appearance, despite facing mass protests at home - while long-time Belarussian leader Alexander Lukashenko was also seen.
Major roads and schools in Beijing were closed ahead of the event, while midnight rehearsals and tens of thousands of volunteers and Communist Party members were brought in to monitor for signs of potential unrest.
Wen-Ti Sung, a fellow at the Atlantic Council's Global China Hub, said: "President Xi will use this opportunity to showcase how the military is clearly, unmistakably behind him."
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