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Parades

China Showcases Military Might and Diplomatic Influence with Historic Parades and Leaders' Meeting

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

In a spectacular display of military power and diplomatic clout, China marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with a grand parade in Beijing, featuring leaders from 26 nations aligned with China and Russia. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un jointly watched the parade, showcasing a united front against the backdrop of a rising China and a declining US-led post-war order.

Key Takeaways:

  • The parade featured China's latest military hardware, including tracked vehicles with missiles, and showcased the country's growing military capabilities.
  • China claims to have suffered 35 million people killed and wounded in World War II, positioning itself as a co-founder of the post-war international order alongside the US.
  • Xi Jinping emphasized China's role as a defender of peace and stability, warning that humanity faces a choice between dialogue and confrontation, and a win-win or zero-sum game.
  • The event was largely skipped by Western leaders, including the US, due to concerns over Russia's war in Ukraine and China's increasing assertiveness.
  • China is seeking to shift the global balance of power in its favor, with Xi Jinping announcing plans to achieve China's goal of becoming a world-class military by the middle of the 21st century.
  • While there are no immediate plans for a trilateral meeting between Xi, Putin, and Kim, concerns are rising that these nations may cooperate more closely against the US.

Statistics:

  • 35 million people killed and wounded in World War II, as claimed by China.
  • 26 nations attended the parade, most closely aligned with China and Russia.
  • 80 years since the end of World War II, marked by China's grand parade.
  • 1931-1945: The duration of China's fight against Japan in World War II.

Sources:

  • NPR News
  • Xi Jinping speech, as reported on NPR News
  • Steve Inskeep, NPR News host
  • Anthony Kuhn, NPR correspondent
  • BYLINE: Anthony Kuhn Host: Steve Inskeep

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