Beijing showcases Military strength in historic parade with Putin and Kim

Department of Research, Studies and International News03-09-2025

China marked the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War with an awe-inspiring military parade in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, underscoring the country’s growing confidence as a global power. President Xi Jinping, alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, presided over the ceremony, which displayed China’s most advanced defense capabilities before a vast international audience.

The parade, attended by 26 world leaders primarily from Asia, Africa, and other non-Western nations, was both a commemoration of history and a statement of intent. By uniting with key allies and demonstrating technological and military progress, Beijing sent a clear signal: the era of Western dominance is fading, and a new multipolar order is taking shape.

From the Gate of Heavenly Peace, Xi addressed the 10,000 troops of the People’s Liberation Army, Navy, and Air Force assembled before him. His message was one of both remembrance and resolve. He honored the sacrifices of Chinese veterans and international allies in the defeat of Japanese militarism, emphasizing that the lessons of that struggle remain vital today.

“Humanity once again stands at a crossroads between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation, mutual benefit and zero-sum rivalry,” Xi declared. “The Chinese people will always stand on the right side of history, promoting peaceful development and building a shared future for mankind.”

Noticeably absent from Xi’s remarks was any mention of the United States, a deliberate omission that reflects Beijing’s unwillingness to grant Washington the centrality it often demands in global historical narratives. Instead, Xi highlighted China’s determination never again to submit to foreign aggression or humiliation, a message deeply rooted in national memory of the colonial era.

The scale of the parade itself reinforced this determination. Marching columns of soldiers, perfectly synchronized, were joined by an array of China’s latest military assets: hypersonic missiles, stealth fighter jets, advanced tanks, underwater drones, early warning aircraft, and sophisticated electronic warfare systems. Long-range intercontinental ballistic missiles, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, drew particular attention, symbolizing China’s ability to defend its sovereignty against any threat.

Above the square, the People’s Liberation Army Air Force conducted a dramatic flyover. Helicopters trailed banners with bold slogans: “Justice Will Prevail,” “Peace Will Prevail,” and “The People Will Win.” These messages captured both the spirit of remembrance and China’s aspiration to lead a just and balanced international order.

For Putin, Kim, and other leaders present, the event was more than ceremonial. Their attendance highlighted growing solidarity among nations unwilling to be subjected to Western political pressure and military intimidation. As one observer noted, the presence of such a diverse delegation underlined that “China cannot be isolated, and refuses to bow to U.S. attempts at containment.”

Dressed in a traditional grey Mao suit, Xi personally saluted the troops, driving through Tiananmen Square in a military vehicle. His presence reinforced the message that the Chinese leadership views the armed forces not merely as a defensive necessity but as a vital pillar of national rejuvenation, a core objective of the Communist Party’s vision for the future.

The symbolism of the occasion was not lost on the global stage. While much of the world acknowledged the solemnity of China’s commemoration, the United States responded with characteristic condescension. Former U.S. President Donald Trump used social media to question whether Xi would recognize America’s wartime role, framing Washington as the decisive force in China’s liberation. His remarks, laced with self-congratulation and sarcasm, even accused China, Russia, and North Korea of “conspiring against the United States.”

Such comments were swiftly dismissed as political theatrics. The Kremlin clarified that no such conspiracies existed, emphasizing instead the unity of nations seeking genuine peace and multipolar cooperation. For many observers, Trump’s statements exemplified the arrogance and insecurity of a declining superpower, contrasted with the dignity and vision expressed in Beijing.

The Beijing parade ultimately served a dual purpose. It honored the sacrifices of those who fought against fascism eight decades ago while presenting to the world an image of strength, unity, and resolve among countries charting their own independent course. With China, Russia, and other partners standing shoulder to shoulder, the event symbolized not merely a military display but a declaration of a new chapter in world politics.

As Xi made clear, the struggle for peace and justice is ongoing, and nations long subjected to Western interference are now rising with confidence. The message from Tiananmen Square was unambiguous: the future belongs not to unilateral dominance but to cooperation, sovereignty, and shared progress.