Authoritarian Leaders Gather at Grand Military Display in China: Trump Engaged in Second Income Venture
China Commemorates World War II Anniversary with Grand Military Parade
Beijing marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with a grand military parade on September 3rd, 2025. The event, officially titled "Victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression," was the largest ever held by the People's Republic.
State and Party leader Xi Jinping, along with thousands of soldiers, hundreds of vehicles, and aircraft, witnessed the spectacle. The parade provided an opportunity to glimpse new troops and weapons systems of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
The military display was more than just a commemoration of past victories. Beijing aims to demonstrate its military strength and technological advancements to assert its claim as a global superpower, intimidate the West, shift the global strategic balance, and signal preparedness for modern forms of warfare including electronic and hypersonic warfare.
Xi Jinping, in his speech, emphasised the need to build the PLA into a world-class force to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity and contribute more to global peace. He also stated that China would "stand firmly on the right side of history," adhere to the path of peaceful development, and build a "community with a shared future" with other nations.
However, the parade also served as a platform for Beijing to reinterpret historical memory of World War II. Xi mentioned the challenges faced during the 1937 invasion of China by Japan, which lasted until 1945, claiming millions of lives. He also called for peace but also warned of new threats.
The absence of the People's Republic in 1945 is still cited today as a reason to criticize Beijing's portrayal of wartime history, especially in Taiwan. Xi's speech did not address this issue directly.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump commented on the event on his social media platform, Truth Social. Trump questioned if Xi would acknowledge the support the US provided China in its fight against Japanese aggression. He also referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as being present in Beijing, and he added, "Please extend my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un as you conspire against the United States of America."
According to Claus Soong, a political analyst, Beijing's primary goal with the parade is to pursue external political objectives. The parade, he suggests, is part of China's bid to assert its status as a global superpower and to challenge the current world order.
In 1949, the Communists triumphed, with Mao Zedong proclaiming the People's Republic of China in Beijing. The parade was a reminder of China's journey from a war-torn nation to a global power. It also served as a warning that China is ready to defend its interests and shape the future of the world.
Xi concluded his speech by saying, "Today, humanity again faces a choice between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation, win-win cooperation and zero-sum games." The message was clear: China is ready for any challenge, but it prefers peace and cooperation.
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