In a significant display of military might, Xi Jinping warned the world that it faces a crucial choice between peace and war during China’s largest-ever military parade. The event, which took place in Tiananmen Square, was attended by notable figures such as Vladimir Putin of Russia and Kim Jong-un of North Korea. This grand display capped off a week of diplomatic maneuvers that analysts interpret as a direct challenge to Western powers.
The military parade, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War—referred to in China as the Japanese War of Aggression—featured an impressive array of military hardware and thousands of personnel. The presence of Putin and Kim, alongside Xi, underscored a united front among authoritarian regimes, sending a clear message of defiance to the West. Political analysts noted that the three leaders engaging in conversation and shaking hands on the red carpet further emphasized this alliance.
Addressing a crowd of over 50,000 spectators, Xi stated, “Today, mankind is faced with the choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, win-win or zero-sum.” He criticized what he described as the “bullying behavior” of certain nations, implicitly targeting the United States. Xi’s rhetoric positioned China as an unstoppable force in global politics, further solidifying its stance against Western sanctions and pressures.
According to Wen-ti Sung, a non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Global China Hub, the parade was a strategic message from Beijing, indicating its unwavering support for Russia amid ongoing tensions related to the Russia-Ukraine War. The event highlighted China's desire to demonstrate unity with its allies, particularly with Kim's presence marking his second international visit in six years and his first joint appearance with Xi and Putin.
The military parade elicited immediate reactions from Western leaders, including Donald Trump, who posted a message on Truth Social wishing Xi and the people of China a “great and lasting day of celebration.” His remarks hinted at the geopolitical tension between these nations and the United States, describing their interactions as conspiratorial.
Political analysts suggest that the parade serves as a demonstration of Xi's growing influence over nations that are eager to challenge the Western-led global order. Just days before the parade, a significant summit for leaders of the Global South took place in Tianjin, attended by Putin, further reinforcing the bond between these nations.
As observers await any formal meetings between Xi, Putin, and Kim, analysts speculate about the implications of such a gathering. Lim Chuan-Tiong, a researcher at the Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia, noted that a meeting would signal a new dynamic reminiscent of the Cold War era. Conversely, the absence of such a meeting might indicate China's attempt to maintain a delicate balance in its relations with the United States while not provoking it excessively.
Following his speech, Xi inspected the military parade from an open-top car, greeting troops and receiving salutes. The showcase included a range of military assets, from tanks and drones to nuclear-capable missiles and advanced fighter jets. This display was intended to serve as a warning to the United States, Europe, and neighboring countries, emphasizing the serious consequences of challenging China’s core national interests.
A significant focus of Xi's speech was the “rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” a phrase that encapsulates his vision for China’s future, particularly in relation to Taiwan. The Chinese Communist Party claims Taiwan as a province of China, a stance that is vehemently opposed by the Taiwanese government and its citizens. The ongoing modernization of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) under Xi has faced challenges, including corruption issues and personnel purges, reflecting the complexities within China’s military expansion efforts.
As global tensions continue to rise, the implications of Xi Jinping's military parade extend beyond mere symbolism, potentially reshaping the future of international relations and the balance of power in the region.
