Xi’s Speech, Advanced Drones in Focus at China’s Military Parade

President Xi Jinping is set to stage a major parade to mark 80 years since the end of World War II — and showcase China’s growing diplomatic sway and military might.

The last time such a parade was held in 2015, it started with a flag-raising ceremony followed by a speech from Xi. China’s top leader then inspected legions of soldiers in his Hongqi sedan before returning to the Gate of Heavenly Peace to watch weapon squads march along the Chang’an Avenue. Foreign troops also participated.