China military parade

CHINESE leader Xi Jinping said humanity must choose between peace and war and dialogue and confrontation in a speech Wednesday, before a major military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

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Mr Xi started a brief address by remembering the Chinese veterans of the war and called for the eradication of the roots of war to prevent history from repeating itself. But his main message was forward looking - today China is strong, fears no one and is ready to take a leading role in the world.

"The Chinese people are a people that are not afraid of violence and are self-reliant and strong," he said.

"We will adhere to the path of peaceful development and work hand in hand with people of all countries to build a community with a shared future for mankind."