China’s Massive Military Parade Demonstrates Power on 80th Anniversary of World War II Victory

Amal Toukebri Department of Research, Studies and International News 03-09-2025

Introduction:

China’s largest-ever military parade took place on September 3, 2025, in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, which China refers to as the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The elaborate event, presided over by President Xi Jinping, showcased China’s most advanced military technology and was attended by dozens of world leaders, predominantly from non-Western nations. 
The presence of key figures such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent a clear political message against a backdrop of escalating global tensions.
The parade was designed not only to honor history but also to assert China’s growing military strength and diplomatic influence.

Global Attendance and Political Messaging:

Dozens of world leaders attended, mostly from non-Western countries, with the spotlight on Xi alongside Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un. Their appearance sent a clear political signal of unity against Western powers, many of whom, including leaders from the US, Western Europe, Japan, India, and South Korea, were absent.

Showcasing Advanced Military Technology:

The event was an orchestrated show of military strength featuring advanced technology such as drones, hypersonic missiles, stealth aircraft, and new nuclear-capable weapons. Experts see it as a strong warning to the US, Europe, and China’s neighbors, emphasizing China’s resolve to protect its core national interests amid ongoing global tensions and regional security challenges.

Xi’s Speech and Symbolism of Alliances:

The display and distinguished guest list were intended to convey a clear message to the US and its allies regarding China’s current position of strength.
In his opening address Xi said the world was facing “a choice between peace and war”, warning that China was a great nation that “is never intimidated by any bullies”, a likely veiled reference to the US and its allies. He said the past showed that Chinese people always rallied together “to defy the enemy” when faced with adversity.
The images of Xi, Putin and Kim showed that “China is unafraid to stand by its friends and be their literal fellow traveller, even and perhaps especially when they are pariahs in the court of international public opinion,” said Wen-ti Sung, a non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Global China Hub.
The parade drew an almost immediate reaction from US president Donald Trump.
“Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America,” Trump posted on his Truth Social account.

TAIWAN:
Xi Jinping’s speech highlighted the “rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” which includes the goal of reunifying Taiwan with mainland China. The Chinese Communist Party considers Taiwan a province governed by illegal separatists and aims for reunification under its terms. Taiwan’s government and people oppose this, with President Lai Ching-te stating, “The people of Taiwan cherish peace, and Taiwan does not commemorate peace with the barrel of a gun”.

Conclusion:

Echoes of the Past, Warnings for the Future, China’s massive military parade was more than a commemoration of history; it was a carefully crafted display of power, symbolism, and political messaging. By showcasing cutting-edge weapons and aligning itself with allies like Russia and North Korea, Beijing underscored its determination to challenge Western influence and defend its core interests, particularly regarding Taiwan. While presented as a celebration of victory and national unity, the parade also revealed the deepening global divide between China and the West.
As tensions mount, the event serves as both a reminder of past struggles and a signal of the uncertain path that lies ahead for international security and stability.

Sources:
South China Morning Post
The guardian
Time Magazine