On September 3, 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping displayed China’s growing military power just days earlier by personally presiding over an extravagant military parade on Tiananmen Square. This remarkable star-studded gala commemorated the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan and the end of World War II. World leaders Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un shared a rare joint appearance at the event. Their convening shines a light on the growing rift with the United States and other Western countries on the geostrategic battlefront.
And on display was a staggering amount of military hardware. Highlights of the show included hypersonic missiles, JL3 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), H6 bombers, J-16 Fighters, and J-20 fighters. As we celebrated, we let go of love and freedom balloons and white doves into the sky. This act brought peace to our celebrations as we exhibited our military might.
Ci Jinping takes part in the October 1 celebrations in an open-topped car. As he viewed the opposing troops arrayed there and paid tribute to the sacrifices performed in that war. In a short but impactful speech, he praised the “huge national sacrifice” of the Chinese people in their fight against Japanese aggression. In his closing remarks he underscored the need to stay united and stay alert with an eye towards these present-day challenges.
“History cautions us that humanity rises and falls together… Today humanity has to choose between peace and war.” – Xi Jinping
Xi’s address carried messages relevant to today’s world, including references to the “rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” He reiterated that “the Chinese nation is never intimidated by any bullies,” highlighting a theme of resilience and strength against perceived external threats.
No one could miss the significance of Vladimir Putin appearing at this year’s parade, especially in light of Russia’s long-standing invasion of Ukraine. Analysts zeroed in on this high-level attendance as a further sign of the deepening strategic alignment between China and Russia. Military analyst Zhou Bo stated that this parade was an “organic demonstration” of the evolving strength of the People’s Liberation Army. Its aim is to intimidate American and allied challenges to PRC deviations from China’s core national interests.
Beyond Xi and Putin, though, the third leader to be present stood out both diplomatically and symbolically. Analysts warned that winning Xi’s attendance at such a high-profile event would be a huge international coup for North Korea. Lim Eul-chul, a professor at South Korea’s Kyungnam University, stated, “If Kim succeeds in securing Xi’s visit, it would raise the regime’s status to its highest level.”
Against this backdrop of geopolitical tensions, former U.S. President Donald Trump with his “warmest regards” to Xi, Putin, and Kim. He suggested that their partnership is a danger to the US. Trump’s remarks included a call for honoring the sacrifices made by Americans during World War II in support of China.
“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… Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America.” – Donald Trump
Min Aung Hlaing, the junta chief of Myanmar, received an invitation to the parade. Surrounding them, as if on a stage, was Dan Andrews, the now-departed former Labor premier of Victoria, Australia. Their presence illustrated the occasion’s significance. It was an essential base for international diplomacy and cooperation between countries with common goals.
Critics have argued that the story being pushed by the Chinese Communist Party frequently misrepresents historical claims surrounding World War II. At the same time, they double down on the commemoration of military conquests and colonial victories. In response, Deputy Foreign Minister Chiu Chui-cheng was adamant, claiming that the PRC did not exist during the anti-Japanese war. Several recently circulating claims have upended that understanding.