Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrive at a military parade in Beijing, China, Sept. 3. Sergei Bobylev / AP

China hosted what it says was its "biggest" military parade for "Victory Day" on Wednesday, showcasing the country's growing military power while commemorating Japan's surrender at the end of World War II.

More than two dozen world leaders were expected to attend the parade as China displayed some of its newest and most advanced weapons. Rehearsals had been underway for weeks, and security in the sprawling Chinese capital of Beijing has been extra tight.

Here's what to know about China's military parade.

When is China's military parade?
The parade took place on Wednesday, Sept. 3, starting at 9 a.m. local time, according to state news agency Xinhua. The parade was held in central Beijing in Tiananmen Square, proceeding down Chang'an Avenue, which translates to "Eternal Peace."

Who is attending China's military parade?
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are among the dignitaries who attended the parade. It was the first time Kim, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Putin appeared together. The trio has been dubbed an "Axis of Upheaval" by some Western analysts.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and the leader of Myanmar's ruling military junta, President Min Aung Hlaing, were also expected to attend, according to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In total, the parade was expected to be attended by 26 different foreign leaders and an estimated 50,000 spectators.

Why is the parade being held and what will it feature?
"Victory Day" marks the 80th anniversary of Imperial Japan's surrender at the close of World War II. In 2014, China set Sept. 3 as Victory Day.

The parade was Xi's third military parade since coming to power in 2012.

The 70-minute parade displayed China's growing military might and newest hardware, including hypersonic weapons, nuclear-capable missiles, fighter jets and underwater drones. According to The Associated Press, in a speech, Xi said humanity today must choose between peace and war and between dialogue and confrontation.

How did President Trump respond?
In a post to Truth Social on Tuesday evening, President Trump noted that the U.S. and China were allies against Japan during WWII, writing that the "big question to be answered is whether or not 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."

Mr. Trump 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."

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