Chinese leader Xi Jinping and guests, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, have arrived at Tiananmen Gate for a military parade in Beijing.

The event Wednesday marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Xi greeted guests on a red carpet before they moved to the viewing platform. Putin and Kim flanked Xi as they walked to their seats, pausing to shake hands with World War II veterans.

The parade will showcase China's military might, including missiles and modern fighter jets, as the country seeks greater global influence.