BEIJING, Sept 3 (Reuters): Chinese President Xi Jinping warned the world was facing a choice between peace or war as he held his country's largest-ever military parade on Wednesday, flanked by Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un.

The lavish event to mark 80 years since Japan's defeat at the end of World War Two has been largely shunned by Western leaders, with Putin and Kim - pariahs in the West due to the Ukraine war and Kim's nuclear ambitions - the guests of honour.

Designed to project China's military might and diplomatic clout, it also comes as U.S. President Donald Trump's trade tariffs and volatile policymaking strain its relations with allies and rivals alike.

"Today, mankind is faced with the choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, win-win or zero-sum," Xi told a crowd of more than 50,000 spectators at Tiananmen Square, adding that the Chinese people "firmly stand on the right side of history".

Riding in an open-top limousine, Xi then inspected the troops and cutting-edge military equipment such as missiles, tanks and drones on display.

Helicopters trailing large banners and fighter jets flew in formation above during the 70-minute showcase thick with symbolism and propaganda which culminated in the release of 80,000 peace doves and colourful balloons.

Wearing a suit in the style of those worn by former leader Mao Zedong, Xi earlier greeted more than 20 leaders on the red carpet including Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who made a surprise appearance despite widespread protests at home. Xi's wife, Peng Liyuan, could be heard saying "Nice to meet you" and "Welcome to China" to several of the guests in English.

Trump, in a post on Truth Social as the parade kicked off, highlighted the U.S. role in helping China secure its freedom from Japan.

"Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America," Trump added.

Trump had earlier told reporters he did not see the parade as a challenge to the United States and reiterated his "very good relationship" with Xi. Japan's top government spokesperson declined to comment on the parade on Wednesday, adding Asia's top two economies were building constructive relations.

Photo from Reuters