BEIJING — China kicked off its largest-ever military parade on Wednesday, a show of its growing firepower and geopolitical clout as President Xi Jinping seeks to cast Beijing as the custodian of a post-U.S. international order. Flanked by Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, a smiling Xi strolled up a red carpet to take his seat for the lavish event at Tiananmen Square to mark 80 years since Japan’s defeat at the end of World War II. More than 50,000 spectators packed into stands joined a vast choir singing patriotic songs as the dignitaries took their seats on the tribune overlooking the Square. Wearing a suit in the style of those worn by former leader Mao Zedong, Xi earlier greeted the more than 20 leaders saying “Nice to meet you” and “Welcome to China” in English. Indonesia’s president, facing widespread protests at home, made a surprise appearance. The highly choreographed “Victory Day” spectacle comes as U.S. President Donald Trump’s “America First” stance and trade wars have strained Washington’s long-standing alliances. Asked whether he sees the parade as a ch
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