China held its largest-ever military parade on Tuesday, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of what it refers to as the Japanese War of Aggression during World War II. The pomp and circumstance Were there ever more patriotic words than “pomp and circumstance”? It represented the face of China’s military strength but underscored its expanding relationships with central partners, most notably Russia and North Korea.
In attendance at the parade were Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, and Kim Jong-un, Supreme Leader of North Korea. Both leaders were seen engaging in friendly conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, signaling a united front against Western nations and a willingness to strengthen ties among these nations.
As is customary, Xi Jinping starred in the show, taking center stage in an open-top vehicle, as he inspected the troops and greeted them with generals’ salutes. His presence underscored what a big deal this very special day was. It was at once a celebration of the past and an exhibition of today’s cutting-edge military might. The parade highlighted as-yet-unseen weaponry and equipment. To dominate headlines were their underwater drones and their new intercontinental ballistic missile, the DF-61, with ability to deliver multiple nuclear warheads to in-engagement zone targets.
Perhaps the most immediate attention given to the event was the international response, including a direct response from U.S. President Donald Trump. He leaped on to his Truth Social account. There, he delivered his benediction for Xi Jinping and the people of China, wishing them,
“May President Xi and the wonderful people of China have a great and lasting day of celebration.”
See how complicated the dynamics are? Of particular note, he stressed the growing cooperation among Xi Jinping, Putin, and Kim Jong-un, arguing that their collective efforts now pose the greatest danger to the United States. He added,
“Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, as you conspire against The United States of America.”
The parade was meant to serve as a backdrop for Xi Jinping to promote his vision for new global relations. He stated,
“Today, mankind is faced with the choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, win-win or zero-sum.”
This line echoed this sentiment throughout the event, demonstrating China’s focus on promoting collaboration while highlighting its growing military prowess.
Drew Thompson, a former US defense attaché in Beijing and expert on China’s defense policies, noted what this display suggests. He noted that it should “give the United States, Europe and China’s neighbours pause should they consider challenging China’s core national interests.” This attitude speaks to deeper unease about China’s expanding military ambitions and more importantly, its willingness to forcefully express them.
Wen-ti Sung, a political analyst, emphasized that Beijing is sending a clear message:
“Beijing is sending a message that even if western countries continue to sanction Russia over the Russia-Ukraine War, Beijing will not be afraid to stand by its friend.”
The historical military parade was thus not just an exercise in state historical consciousness, but rather as a deliberate tactical strike in today’s geopolitical battleground. As Xi Jinping stood among his counterparts from Russia and North Korea, their unity was evident on the red carpet. They shook hands and exchanged pleasantries, which many analysts interpret as a defiant statement against perceived Western aggression.
The massive turnout of troops and military assets demonstrated China’s commitment to modernizing its military forces while projecting strength on the global stage. The unveiling of the DF-61 missile brought this strategy into sharp focus, as it embodies China’s leap forward in long-range strike capabilities.