Historic moment captured as leaders of N. Korea, China, and Russia gather at China's Victory Day parade

We start in Beijing where Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong-un to observe an elaborate show of might to mark the end of World War Two.

Our Shin Ha-young starts us off.

A military parade marking China's 80th Victory Day anniversary became the stage for the leaders of North Korea, China, and Russia to appear together for the first time in 66 years.

The 70-minute-long celebration kicked off on Wednesday at 9 AM local time in Tiananmen Square, Beijing.

About an hour before the official ceremony, around 25 world leaders began arriving at the venue, walking down a red carpet.

Chinese President Xi Jinping greeted them, with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un entering just before Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was the last to arrive.

Symbolic moments of solidarity among Pyongyang, Beijing, and Moscow continued throughout the event.

With Xi in the center, Kim on his left, and Putin on his right, the three leaders walked up to the rostrum side by side, conversing with smiles.

China marks September 3, 1945, as the day of its victory over Japan and the end of World War II.

That's the day after Japan signed its unconditional surrender to China and the other Allies.

"History warns us that the destiny of humankind is closely interconnected. Only when nations and peoples treat each other as equals, live together in harmony, and support one another can we safeguard common security and eliminate the root causes of war. We must not allow the tragedies of history to repeat themselves."

During the military parade, China showcased strategic weapons for the first time, including the FH-97 unmanned combat aircraft and the DF-61 intercontinental ballistic missile, reportedly an upgrade from the DF-41.

A record 40-thousand people took part in the parade, with 45 military units also marching through Tiananmen Square to display their strength.

Meanwhile, from South Korea, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik attended the parade.

Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.