China to Mark Japan's Defeat in World War II with Elaborate Military Parade

Strategic Insights -

A grandiose display of military might is set to unfold in Beijing on Wednesday as China commemorates the 80th anniversary of Japan's defeat in World War II. The event, led by Xi Jinping, will feature a parade of missiles, soldiers, and world leaders, including Kim Jong-un of North Korea, Vladimir Putin of Russia, and Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran, among others. The elaborate show of force is designed to showcase China's military prowess, its diplomatic influence, and its assertion of a more prominent role in the Allied victory.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 40,000 soldiers, civilians, and staff have participated in rehearsals for the parade, which is set to take place along Chang'an Avenue in Beijing.
  • The parade will feature a display of China's newest weapons, including nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles, next-generation tanks, and uncrewed weapon systems.
  • The event is expected to include a recasting of the war, highlighting China's supposedly unrecognized contributions to the Allied victory, as well as its claims to territory, especially Taiwan.
  • Leaders from 11 of the 14 countries bordering China will be represented at the event, underscoring China's regional influence.
  • The convergence of undemocratic leaders at the parade underscores China's appeal to authoritarian regimes worldwide.
  • China's military leadership is in disarray due to a crackdown on corruption, with three seats on the Central Military Commission appearing to be empty.

Statistics:

  • 40,000: number of soldiers, civilians, and staff participating in rehearsals for the parade.
  • 25: number of countries whose leaders are expected to attend the parade.
  • 7: number of countries whose leaders are considered free or partly-free by Freedom House.
  • 11: number of countries bordering China that have leaders represented at the event.
  • 80th: anniversary of the Allied victory over Japan in World War II being commemorated by the parade.
  • 2015: year of the last victory parade commemorating World War II in Beijing.

Sources:

  • Neil Thomas, a fellow at the Asia Society's Center for China Analysis, as quoted in The New York Times.
  • The New York Times (caption for the photograph by Jade Gao/Agence France-Presse -- Getty Images).
  • Freedom House.