China Victory Day Parade live: Daniel Andrews seen with Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un in Beijing

Anthony Albanese has avoided directly answering whether US President Donald Trump’s approach to international relations has prompted a closer-knit relationship between Russia, China and North Korea.

He was questioned whether a military parade in Beijing - where Kim Jong Un, Vladimir Putin, and Xi Jinping have joined thousands of soldiers in Tiananmen Square - signals a strategic shift in power in the world.

JOURNALIST: “Is this a product of what Donald Trump has done - his approach to global affairs? Is this a natural shift in power away from the United States?”

PM: “The United States is our most important partner. I make that point. And I look forward to discussions with President Trump, further discussions. My job as the Australian Prime Minister is to stand up for Australia’s national interest. That’s what I continue to do. I engage diplomatically across the board, and I look forward to continuing to participate.”

He went on to talk about his “busy month” meeting world leaders during summit season before exiting the press conference in his courtyard at Parliament in Canberra.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended the lack of senior representation in Beijing today during China’s Victory Day military parade.

Former Labor premiers Daniel Andrews and Bob Carr are among those in attendance alongside junior Australian diplomats.

“We’re sending a diplomat. We’ll be there. The last time around, ten years ago, Minister Ronaldson (to) my understanding… was the appointment,” he said, before moving on to the next question.

The PM was referring to the 2015 Abbott government sending then-minister for veteran affairs Michael Ronaldson to attend the 70th anniversary.

US President Donald Trump has asked Chinese President Xi Jinping to give his “warmest regards” to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Korean leader Kim Jong Un, saying the leaders are “conspiring” against the United States.

“The big question to be answered is whether or not President Xi of China will mention the massive amount of support and ‘blood’ that The United States of America gave to China in order to help it to secure its FREEDOM from a very unfriendly foreign invader,” Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“Many Americans died in China’s quest for Victory and Glory.

“I hope that they are rightfully Honored and Remembered for their Bravery and Sacrifice!

“May President Xi and the wonderful people of China have a great and lasting day of celebration.

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

Read more.

On the global stage, China is showing the scale of military might it has in its arsenal.

After Chinese President Xi Jinping’s opening remarks, the Chinese flag was raised, and the “military inspection” began.

President Xi has moved to a special vehicle, standing in a limousine with his upper body protruding through a sunroof that has microphones attached. The vehicle is driving past an estimated 10,000 troops.

The troops are displaying an astounding amount of weapons, including tanks, missiles, rocket launchers and guns.

“The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is irresistible,” President Xi said to rousing applause from onlookers in Beijing.

“The noble cause of peace and development of humanity will prevail.”

With those words, the military parade begins.

President Xi said the Chinese armed forces are a “heroic” group that will “safeguard” China as it continues to contribute to “peace and development” of the world.

“Today, humanity again has to choose again between peace and war,” President Xi said.

“The Chinese people firmly stand on the right side of history and the progress of human civilisation.“

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Chinese President Xi Jinping has welcomed onlookers and guests to the China Victory Day Parade in Beijing.

“Today, we gather here to solemnly commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese people’s war of resistance against the Japanese aggression and the world anti-fascist war,” President Xi said.

“I would also like to express my sincere thanks to foreign governments and friends that supported and assisted the Chinese people in resisting aggression.

“Comrades and friends, the Chinese people’s war of resistance against aggression was a great war fought with tenacity and valour.

“The Chinese people stood up to fight the formidable enemy with an iron wheel and formed a great wall with flesh and blood to defend the nation automatically achieved the first complete victory in resisting foreign aggression in modern times.”

Just before proceedings kicked off, Chinese military personnel were seen rehearsing for the large-scale event.