BEIJING: China showcased its growing military power recently with a massive parade at Tiananmen Square, raising fresh concerns among global leaders and deepening geopolitical fault lines.
The event marked the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II, drawing over 50,000 spectators,Chinese President Xi Jinping presided over the parade, declaring that “humanity again has to choose between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation.”
The display featured nuclear-capable missiles, supersonic weapons, tanks, naval drones, and newly developed military technology,Analysts described the show as a direct signal to the West about China’s advancing defense capabilities.
What startled many was the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who stood beside Xi in a rare public display of solidarity among three authoritarian powers. The scene followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent meeting with Putin in Alaska. Trump later posted on Truth Social wishing Xi, Putin, and Kim “a wonderful day of celebration,” a remark the Russian government dismissed as “ironic.”
Reactions across the world were divided. Western governments expressed unease over China’s assertiveness, especially as U.S. intelligence believes Xi has set a 2027 deadline to prepare for a potential move against Taiwan, according to The Economist.
In Taiwan, public opinion was mixed. Some citizens described the parade as “cool” and a “thank you” to the troops, while President Lai Ching-te criticized it, saying: “The people of Taiwan cherish peace, and Taiwan does not commemorate peace with the barrel of a gun,” reported Reuters.
Meanwhile, Chinese citizens expressed pride on social media. One Weibo user wrote, “I’m grateful that our country made us feel so secure.”
The parade, China’s first since 2019, was not only a commemoration of the past but also a projection of future power a reminder to the world of Beijing’s growing role in shaping international politics.
