Xi Jinping projects power in military parade with Putin and Kim in Beijing.
The event marked 80 years since Japan's defeat in World War II and brought together leaders seen as challengers to the Western order.
247 - Chinese President Xi Jinping held the largest military parade in the country's history on Wednesday (3), in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, flanked by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. This report is from... ReutersThe event, marked by strong symbolism, celebrated the 80th anniversary of Japan's defeat at the end of World War II, but was ignored by Western leaders.
In his opening speech, Xi warned that the world is at a decisive moment: “Today, humanity faces a choice between peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, mutual gains or a zero-sum game.” The Chinese leader also declared that the Chinese people “remain firmly on the right side of history.”
The grandeur of the parade
Xi toured the square in a convertible limousine and inspected troops and state-of-the-art equipment, including hypersonic missiles, underwater drones, and an unusual armed "robotic wolf." The 70-minute celebration featured helicopters carrying flags, fighter jets flying in formation, and the release of 80 peace doves.
Wearing a Mao Zedong-style suit, Xi received about 25 foreign leaders, including Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who surprised many by attending amid protests in his country. His wife, Peng Liyuan, was heard greeting guests in English with phrases like "Nice to meet you" and "Welcome to China."
During the ceremony, Xi shared the podium with Putin and Kim, with whom he held frequent conversations while thousands of soldiers marched before them. It was the first time in 66 years that a North Korean leader had participated in a Chinese military parade.
Trump's stance and regional reactions
US President Donald Trump reacted to the event on his Truth Social network, writing: “Please convey my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un as they plot against the United States of America.” Trump, however, downplayed the impact of the parade, telling reporters that he did not see it as a direct provocation to Washington.
The Japanese government declined to comment, while Taiwan — which Beijing considers part of its territory — instructed its population not to participate in the event. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te harshly criticized the parade: "Taiwan does not celebrate peace through the barrel of a gun."
Xi and the vision of a new world order.
In recent days, Xi has reinforced his narrative that World War II represented a turning point in the "great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," projecting the country as a global power. In a recent meeting, the Chinese leader condemned "hegemonism and power politics," in a veiled criticism of the United States.
“Xi feels confident that the tables have turned. China is now in the driver’s seat,” assessed Wen-Ti Sung, a researcher at the Atlantic Council. He added that “the main source of uncertainty in the international system has not been China’s aggressive diplomacy, but rather Trump’s unilateralism.”
At a banquet following the parade, Xi reiterated that humanity must not return to the "law of the jungle," advocating for a global order based on dialogue and cooperation.
Signs of new military alliances
Analysts note that the presence of Putin and Kim could signal a closer military rapprochement between the three countries, especially after the signing of recent pacts between Russia and North Korea and between China and Pyongyang. The Russian news agency TASS reported that preparations were underway for a meeting between Putin and Kim at the Chinese State Guesthouse.
Putin had already used the visit to finalize new energy agreements with Beijing, while Kim sought tacit support for his nuclear program, still banned by the international community. Kim traveled accompanied by his daughter, Ju Ae, considered by South Korean intelligence as a likely successor, although she did not appear alongside him at the parade.
Military modernization and internal purges
The parade also served to showcase the technological advancements of the People's Liberation Army, even amidst an intense anti-corruption campaign that has ousted more than a dozen generals close to Xi in the last two years.
“The event allows Xi to focus the world’s attention on the impressive advances in Chinese military modernization, while obscuring persistent internal challenges, especially purges among senior officers,” assessed Jon Czin, an analyst at the Brookings Institution.
Beyond foreign policy, the display of power also aimed to fuel domestic patriotism. Civil servants across the country were instructed to attend the parade and record their reflections. In his speech, Xi concluded by stating that the “revitalization of the Chinese nation is unstoppable.”
