Leaders Xi, Putin, and Kim meet at a renowned Beijing site for a spectacular display of military power.
China's Military Parade in Beijing Commemorates WWII Anniversary
In front of the iconic Tiananmen Gate in Beijing, a grand military parade took place on Thursday, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The event, which was attended by several foreign leaders, aimed to portray China as a global alternative to the American-dominated post-war era and to showcase the country's military strength.
The parade, which was open to the public, featured the unveiling of some military hardware for the first time. The display included modern fighter jets, missiles, and other military equipment, demonstrating China's military capabilities.
The parade was also intended to boost support for the Communist Party and its leader, Xi Jinping. As the country commemorates the millions of Chinese people who died in the Japanese invasion before the war and during the conflict itself, the parade served as a reminder of China's resilience and progress.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un were among the attendees, with Putin and Kim flanking Xi as they made their way to the viewing platform. The audience also included about two dozen foreign leaders seeking to improve or maintain relations with the Chinese government.
Foreign politicians attending the parade included representatives from Iran, Congo, Pakistan, Serbia, Slovakia, and Switzerland. Their participation underscores the importance of contact and cooperation between these nations and China, as well as their engagement through multilateral organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Kim Jong-un's presence at the parade also signaled diplomatic engagement and implicit support for his regime. Putin's involvement underlines the close strategic partnership between Russia and China, especially amid global tensions like the Ukraine conflict.
As the parade progressed, Xi Jinping shook hands individually with guests on a red carpet before they climbed the stairs to the viewing platform. The event concluded with a powerful display of military might, reinforcing China's ambition to assert its global influence. The parade served not only as a commemoration of the past but also as a statement of China's aspirations for the future.
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