China's President Xi Jinping unveils laser weapons, nuclear ballistic missiles and giant underwater drones at a massive military parade 80 years on from the country's victory over Japan in World War Two
Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un joined Xi, along with dozens of other heads of state - and only two Western leaders
The three leaders meeting together for the first time is the most enduring image from the choreographed spectacle, writes our China correspondent
Meeting on the sidelines, Kim tells Putin it's North Korea's "fraternal duty" to help Russia - the country has already sent weapons and troops to Ukraine
Meanwhile, Donald Trump, who was not at the parade, berated Xi on social media: "Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un as you conspire against the United States of America"
From Xi's clear message for Trump to the weapons that worry the West, read our correspondents' snap analysis
We are now getting footage of Putin and other world leaders arriving at Tiananmen Square for China's military parade. Have a watch:
Watch: World leaders arrive at China's military parade
Only for the very first time.
As we have just reported, Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un have just appeared together at today’s parade, marking an event with the leaders of China, Russia and North Korea for the first known time.
It’s still unclear if the three will hold trilateral talks - if they do, it would be a novel occurrence (so far, they have only each held bilateral talks with one another on previous occasions).
Today also marks a significant moment for the North Korean leader, who rarely travels outside of the country. It will be his first multinational event since taking over from his father in December 2011.
Laura Bicker
Reporting from the parade
We have now seen what will be some of the enduring pictures of the day - President Xi flanked on either side by Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un.
That's the first known time that these three leaders are meeting together.
All three are walking at the front of a line of more than 20 world leaders up to a platform on the Gate of Heavenly Peace, ready to watch the parade.
And now we await the national anthem.
Image source, CGTNWith less than half an hour left until the military parade kicks off, last rehearsals took place in Tiananmen Square this morning.
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, ReutersLindle Markwell
Reporting in Beijing
When we drive across Beijing this morning, traffic restrictions are in full force with many roads and pavements blocked off.
Streets closer to the parade route are lined with metal barricades and guarded by hundreds of police, traffic police, soldiers, plain clothes police, and security guards.
Neighbourhood volunteers, recognised by the red armbands they wear, are out in force too.
There’s far less traffic on the streets than usual but, on one of the routes where we can move on, a long traffic jam has formed where we've been held up at junction waiting for motorcades to pass.
Our China Correspondent Laura Bicker is bringing you live coverage from Tiananmen Square. Here's a quick look at what the atmosphere - and the security - is like this morning:
Watch: BBC correspondent in Tiananmen Square ahead of Victory Day parade
Laura Bicker
Reporting from the parade
Getting to the parade involves a 02:00 start to wait to go through a long line of security scanners which is far stricter than getting on a plane.
The list of banned items even extends to makeup - only a lipstick and an eyebrow pencil are allowed.
The buses took us along the parade route through a dark silent city. Tanks were parked on side streets lined with men in army dress uniforms.
We arrived in Tiananmen Square just before dawn and were led through an underpass full of exhausted and sleeping parades helpers.
Of course, there was yet more security and another long queue to put all our belongings through a scanner.
Each media team has a spot. But that also comes with rules. We have to remain still 40 minutes before the parade starts and we are not allowed to point our cameras backwards towards the platform on the Gate of Heavenly Peace where Xi Jinping will stand shoulder to shoulder with the leaders of Russia and North Korea.
All eyes are on the imminent parade, including those living in Beijing, who are eagerly anticipating the event:
Watch: BBC speaks to people in China looking forward to the parade
Image source, Getty ImagesChina's President Xi Jinping held a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un back in 2018
The streets of Beijing have been transformed ahead of today’s extravagant military parade as the capital prepares to welcome dozens of leaders from across the globe.
At the top of the list is of course this week’s host, Chinese President Xi Jinping, who welcomed Russia’s Vladimir Putin over the weekend ahead of today’s display.
Kim Jong Un is also attending, making it his first known visit to China since 2019.
China’s State Council has also published a list of the 26 leaders it said, external are invited to its V-Day commemorations, though it is unclear if all of those invited will in fact attend. Some of those include:
Laura Bicker
Reporting from the parade
The stage is set in the heart of Beijing for a grand display of power and military might that has been choreographed by President Xi Jinping.
But Beijing has grown quieter as the parade draws closer - a demonstration of the Party's control over a capital city that is home to more than 21 million people.
Part of what has been driving the extra-cautious preparations is fear that discontent among Chinese people, especially young people, could spill over.
Airport security scanners have been installed in some office entrances. All drones are banned and international journalists have been visited at home, some on multiple occasions, to ensure they get the message.
Guards have been stationed 24 hours a day at the entrances to overpasses and bridges to prevent any protests. Some of these guards are in army uniforms.
Three years ago, when the Party chose Xi as its leader for a historic third term, a protester unfurled a banner over a major highway bridge criticising Xi and calling for his ouster. He was taken away instantly and we still don't know what happened to him.
That is a moment the Party does not want to relive.
World leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, are gathering in Beijing today for China’s first military parade in six years.
It will be full of pomp and pageantry and showcase some of China’s new military technology, including new underwater drones.
The massive military parade also marks 80 years since the formal surrender of the Japanese at the end of World War Two, and will be overseen by President Xi Jinping.
Stay with us as we will bring you the latest.