China recently held its largest-ever military parade, showcasing its growing firepower and geopolitical influence under the leadership of President Xi Jinping. The event, which took place at Tiananmen Square to commemorate 80 years since Japan’s defeat in World War Two, featured Xi alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Dressed in a suit reminiscent of former leader Mao Zedong, Xi greeted a diverse group of leaders, including Indonesia’s Prabowo Subianto, who made a surprise appearance despite facing protests at home. The parade, known as “Victory Day,” was a highly choreographed spectacle with over 50,000 spectators in attendance, witnessing aerial displays, marching troops, and advanced military equipment like hypersonic missiles and unmanned drones.
As tensions between the US and China continue to escalate, President Donald Trump downplayed the parade as a challenge, emphasizing his good relationship with Xi. However, the event served as a symbol of China’s military might and ambition to establish itself as a key player in the global arena.
Xi used the occasion to highlight China’s role in defeating fascism during World War Two and promoting a new global order based on unity against hegemonism and power politics. The parade also provided an opportunity for Putin to strengthen energy deals with China and for Kim Jong Un to gain implicit support for his nuclear ambitions.
The meticulous planning and tight security measures surrounding the parade underscored its significance as a demonstration of China’s military strength and Xi’s leadership. With local governments mobilizing volunteers to ensure a smooth event, the parade served as a showcase of unity and power under the Chinese regime.
Overall, the military parade symbolized China’s ambition to assert itself on the world stage and challenge the existing international order dominated by Western powers. As Xi continues to consolidate his power and promote China’s rise as a global superpower, events like this serve as a reminder of the country’s growing influence and aspirations.
