Former Labor leaders Dan Andrews and Bob Carr will attend China’s “Victory Day” parade in Tiananmen Square today, where Xi Jinping will showcase new weaponry.

The parade will celebrate the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II and will showcase China’s growing military strength and influence. The new weaponry on display includes tanks, aircraft, hypersonic missiles, and anti-drone technology.

Xi Jinping is set to share the stage with Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. Other leaders in attendance include major Iranian leaders and the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The former Labor foreign affairs minister Bob Carr told the ABC he was happy to be attending.

“The Chinese victory over Japan is a historic event worth celebrating,” he said. “It’s in Australia’s interest to work for a good relationship with China and I don’t apologise for one moment for making my contribution.”

Andrews was seen at the parade, shaking hands with Xi Jinping. He has yet to address the media on his attendance.

Opposition Leader Susan Ley questioned why they would attend alongside Putin.

“I think for those two individuals, they need to explain why they are attending a military parade that Vladimir Putin is attending and what that actually tells the world,” she said.

The decision for Andrews and Carr to attend was criticised by Nationals leader David Littleproud, who accused the pair of being “pawns” in a “bigger game”.

There will be no official Australian political presence as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Australia’s Chinese ambassador are not attending the parade.

Very few Western leaders attended, with none from the United States and a minority from Europe.