China's leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday watched the giant military parade in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Xi started a brief address by remembering the victims of the war and called for the eradication of the roots of war to prevent history from repeating itself.

But Xi's main message was forward looking: Today, China is strong, fears no one and is ready to take a leading role in the world.

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin were also in attendance among other world leaders.

The parade began after he spoke with troops marching in rhythmic lockstep, their boots echoing off the pavement, for a review by Xi, who is also head of China's military as chairman of the Central Military Commission.

The parade showcases missiles, modern fighter jets and other military might as China seeks to wield greater influence on the global stage. Some of the military hardware is on public view for the first time.

Before they started marching, Xi rode by the entire length of the formations along Beijing’s central Chang’an Avenue in a classic-style black limousine.

He stood up through an opening in a roof with four microphones lined in front of him and greeted flanks of troops as he passed them and rows of missiles and military vehicles.

They shouted back mottos in unison such as “We serve the people.”