China Marks 80th Anniversary of War of Resistance with Military Parade
Xi Jinping presided over China’s largest-ever military display, organized to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, referred to in China as the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
The event concluded a week of significant diplomatic engagements for China, closely following a summit hosted in Tianjin that brought together leaders from several nations outside the West.
Numerous world leaders, predominantly from non-Western countries, participated in the event. However, the arrival of Xi Jinping alongside Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un drew the most attention. Analysts noted that the sight of the three leaders walking together conveyed a clear stance to Western nations.
Other participants included Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, and Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing.
Notable Absences
Leaders from the U.S., Western Europe, Japan, India, and South Korea did not attend.
Among Chinese officials, no prominent absences were immediately evident. Observers often scrutinize missing senior Communist Party figures as potential indicators of shifting political standing. Former leader Hu Jintao and former Premier Zhu Rongji were not present. Both are advanced in age, and Hu has rarely been seen in public since his abrupt departure from the 2022 party congress.
Key Messages
The meticulously planned event and the high-profile guest list underscored China’s intent to demonstrate its strength to the U.S. and its allies.
In his speech, Xi emphasized that the world faces a critical decision between peace and conflict, asserting that China, as a great nation, “is never intimidated by any bullies”—a remark widely interpreted as directed at the U.S. He highlighted historical resilience, stating that the Chinese people unite in adversity to confront challenges.
Analysts noted that Xi’s appearance with Putin and Kim signaled China’s willingness to align with its allies, even when they face international criticism.
The parade prompted a swift response from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who commented on the gathering in a public post.
Military Showcase
The 70-minute parade featured an extensive array of military equipment, including tanks, drones, missile systems, fighter jets, and stealth aircraft, showcasing the advancements in the People’s Liberation Army’s capabilities.
The display was seen as a deterrent, emphasizing that any challenge to China’s core interests would be met with strength.
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