China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that foreign leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, will attend the military parade in Beijing next week marking the anniversary of Japan’s formal surrender in World War II, scheduled for September 3.

Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Hong Li stated at a press conference that 26 heads of state and government are expected to participate in the event.

The “Victory Day” parade is anticipated to showcase China’s growing military capabilities while serving as a diplomatic signal of solidarity between Beijing, Moscow, and other countries from the Global South.