From AP:
China showcased its military might in a parade Wednesday marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, a show of strength as it seeks to wield greater influence on the global stage. Leader Xi Jinping, speaking before the parade, paid tribute to Chinese veterans of the war. Since coming to power in 2012, he has sought to build China into a country that cannot be bullied and is strong enough to stand up to foreign powers.