On Wednesday, Xi Jinping orchestrated an impressive exhibition of China’s military power before a gathering of some of the world’s most influential authoritarian leaders. This event was not only a celebration marking the end of World War II but also a strategic move to rally support for Xi’s vision of a new global order. As the U.S. President Donald Trump engages in a global trade war, this parade served as a potent reminder of China's growing assertiveness on the world stage.
From his vantage point atop the Gate of Heavenly Peace in Beijing, Xi presided over an elaborate 70-minute parade, flanked by strongman figures like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un. This unprecedented gathering underscored a burgeoning alliance among illiberal leaders, unified against the United States and its allies. The most striking image from the parade was not just the impressive display of stealth fighter jets and nuclear-capable missiles, but the sight of Xi, Putin, and Kim standing together, symbolizing a united front challenging Western dominance.
In his address to the leaders of 26 nations, alongside thousands of troops and over 50,000 spectators, Xi proclaimed, “The Chinese nation is the great nation that is never intimidated by any bullies.” This statement resonated deeply, particularly as the trio of leaders shared moments of camaraderie during the parade. Their public display of solidarity serves as a direct challenge to Trump’s faltering attempts to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and highlights the diminishing influence of American leadership globally.
Trump's response was notable, as he took to Truth Social during the parade, wishing Xi and his allies well while implying their conspiratorial stance against the United States. This exchange emphasizes the growing tension between the U.S. and the newly formed alliance of authoritarian leaders.
The grand military showcase was not merely for international optics; it was also a tool for bolstering national pride among the Chinese populace. Xi’s command over the military was on full display, despite recent corruption purges that have raised questions about the combat readiness of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Riding in an open-top black limousine, Xi inspected the troops and advanced weaponry, reinforcing his authority and the commitment to serve the people.
Chinese social media users lauded the PLA's discipline and impressive hardware, drawing comparisons to past military parades in the U.S. One user noted, “China’s military parade: A showcase of national power. US military parade: A showcase of relaxation,” highlighting the contrasting narratives of military strength between the two nations.
According to analysts, the parade was a demonstration of Xi’s commitment to military modernization, which has become one of his top priorities. Brian Hart, a fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, asserted that this event allowed China to showcase the advancements in its military technology. He noted, “Xi Jinping has made military modernization one of his top personal priorities, and he has been relentlessly pushing the military to improve.”
China's military modernization efforts have shifted the PLA from a traditional Soviet-style command structure to a more integrated joint operations model similar to that of the U.S. military. This transformation includes the establishment of new branches, such as the Rocket Force, which oversees China’s nuclear capabilities.
While the parade showcased a united front among Xi, Putin, and Kim, analysts caution against overstating the strength of this alliance. Unlike the U.S., China lacks formal military alliances beyond its relationship with North Korea. Critics argue that while the countries represented at the parade share common interests, their partnerships remain primarily bilateral without any substantial coordination among all four nations.
Jonathan Czin, an analyst at the Brookings Institution, remarked that the joint appearance of these leaders might symbolize a temporary high point rather than a sign of deeper cooperation. He highlighted that the four nations, particularly North Korea and Iran, do not possess significant leverage on the global stage, especially given the recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran, which China and Russia condemned but did little to counteract.
In conclusion, Xi Jinping's military parade was a multifaceted display of strength aimed at reinforcing national pride, showcasing military advancements, and signaling a shift in global power dynamics. As tensions rise between China and the U.S., the implications of this growing alliance among authoritarian leaders may reshape international relations in the years to come.
