Display your might
In the heart of Beijing, China's regime, led by Xi Jinping, demonstrated its global leadership aspirations on the 80th anniversary of the end of the war in Asia. The grand military parade served as a display of new nationalism and Beijing's ambitions on the world stage.
The parade was a response to China's past humiliation by colonial powers and Japan, and an opportunity to reinterpret history and glorify the Communist Party's role in the fight against Japan. It was a challenge to the previously Western-dominated world order, positioning China as a strong, confident player, even if it cannot yet replace the United States.
Xi Jinping was portrayed as a stabilizing force and reliable partner in contrast to the chaotic and disruptive United States under Trump. The parade contained both typical and unique elements, serving as a symbol of China's strength. Among the unique elements was the absence of the nationalist Kuomintang, who primarily led the fight against Japan at the time, from the parade.
Despite the martial display, China proclaimed peaceful intentions, accompanying the parade with the release of thousands of doves. The parade also showcased modern weapons, demonstrating China's military might.
At the summit that followed, Xi Jinping received the leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, including Kazakh President Tokayev, Myanmar Acting President Min Aung Hlaing, Egyptian Prime Minister Madbouly, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Nepalese Prime Minister Oli, and United Nations Secretary-General Guterres. The absence of some members of Xi's military commission did not diminish the parade's impact as a show of strength.
The parade was not without controversy. Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un, known for their non-peaceful intentions and among the most sanctioned leaders in the world, were present at the summit. This has raised questions about China's intentions and its role in the global community.
As we look to the future, Xi Jinping's message in the military parade is clear: China has risen again, as expressed by Mao Zedong in 1949 when proclaiming the People's Republic. Under the leadership of the Communist Party and Xi Jinping, China asserts its status as the Middle Kingdom, a global power to be reckoned with.
This article was published by 'Debate', an independent, left-leaning, and opinionated daily newspaper, founded in 1979.
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