China showcases military strength while hosting global leaders

On September 3, 2025, in Beijing, China conducted a major military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. This event marks a significant display of military power, featuring advanced weaponry, warplanes, and thousands of troops marching in unison. The parade was presided over by President Xi Jinping, who used the occasion to emphasize China's commitment to peace and strength. He was joined by over 24 foreign leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. While China used this event to reinforce its historical narrative around World War II and assert its place in the global order, several western leaders remained absent due to the presence of the Russian leader, signaling growing geopolitical tensions. The event was marked by tightly controlled media coverage, with barriers preventing the general public from viewing the parade up close. Instead, most spectators watched the procession through television broadcasts or livestreams. This parade stands out as the first major military showcase since 2019, illustrating a shift in China's approach toward presenting its military capabilities to both domestic and international audiences. By highlighting its might, China aims to instill national pride and portray itself as a powerful nation capable of defending its sovereignty and interests on the global stage. Xi Jinping's speech during the event underscored China's ambition to reshape perceptions of its role in World War II and its contributions as an anti-Japanese ally within the context of the Allied powers. Analysts suggest that this narrative is intertwined with Beijing's current foreign policy objectives, particularly concerning Taiwan and regional security matters in the Asia-Pacific area. The parade also served to reinforce internal narratives tied to national unity and resilience against external pressures, illustrating the Communist Party’s efforts to build a strong image and combat Western hegemony. Despite the grand displays of military might, the absence of several Western heads of state reflects heightened concerns over China's military ambition and its perceived threat to regional stability. The engagement of leaders like Putin and Kim further complicates the global perspective on China’s military posture. As the nation seeks to position itself as a defender of the post-war international order, its military parades symbolize both a celebration of historical narratives and a strategic tool in contemporary geopolitics.