China's Rise: A Grand Show of Military Might and Diplomatic Clout

Strategic Insights -

Chinese President Xi Jinping, surrounded by world leaders, has declared the country's rise "unstoppable" as it celebrated 80 years since the end of World War II with a massive parade of its armed forces in Beijing. The event, featuring cutting-edge military hardware and tens of thousands of military personnel, was a demonstration of China's military strength and diplomatic clout in the face of pressure from the US.

Key Takeaways:

  • China's armed forces showcased cutting-edge military hardware, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, unmanned tanks, and stealth drones, in a grand parade through central Beijing.
  • President Xi Jinping declared China's rise "unstoppable" and emphasized the country's sacrifices during World War II and its subsequent rebuilding into a global superpower.
  • The event was attended by world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, highlighting China's diplomatic clout.
  • US President Donald Trump lashed out on social media, accusing China of not acknowledging the US role in defeating Imperial Japan and conspiring against the US with Russia and North Korea.
  • China has denied providing materiel for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as well as key economic support, and has instead emphasized its friendship with Russia as an "example of major-country relations."
  • North Korea's prominent position in the parade may have been an effort by Mr. Xi to ensure Pyongyang does not shift too far into Russia's field of influence.
  • China has sought to use recent commemorations of the end of World War II to assert its historical interpretation and assert its global standing.

Statistics:

  • Tens of thousands of military personnel participated in the parade.
  • The event featured cutting-edge military hardware, including new intercontinental ballistic missiles, unmanned tanks, and stealth drones.
  • 20 bilateral agreements were signed between China and Russia, including allowing Russians to visit China visa-free.

Sources:

  • Xinhua News Agency, "Xi Jinping watches parade marking 80th anniversary of victory in Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression," September 3, 2022
  • China Daily, "Xi praises SCO as 'example of major-country relations'," September 5, 2022
  • South China Morning Post, "Xi Jinping's grand show: what we know so far," September 1, 2022
  • The Moscow Times, "Putin and Xi hail friendship as 'example of major-country relations'", September 5, 2022
  • North Korea's state-run media, "Kim Ju Ae attends ceremonies in Beijing," September 7, 2022
  • BBC News, "China's Xi Jinping calls for 'more just and equitable global governance system'", September 5, 2022