Power, Pride, and Politics: China Grand Victory Day Parade Marks 80 Years Since WWII Victory

A Thunderous Start: 80-Gun Salute Echoes Through Tiananmen Square

China Grand Victory Day Parade Marks 80 Years Since WWII Victory – On September 3, 2025, China held its largest-ever military parade in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II. The event began with a dramatic 80-gun salute, symbolizing each year since the end of the war. President Xi Jinping addressed a crowd of over 50,000 spectators at Tiananmen Square, speaking about peace, sacrifice, and China’s rise as a global power.

Xi praised the “immense national sacrifice” made by the Chinese people during the war, calling it a “full triumph over foreign invaders.” He emphasized that peace must be protected through strength and cooperation. The parade was not just a show of military muscle, it was a message to the world about China’s place in global history and its ambitions for the future.

A Dazzling Display of Military Might

The parade featured over 10,000 troops, hundreds of ground vehicles, and more than 100 aircraft, including stealth jets, bombers, and helicopters. China showcased its most advanced weapons, including:

• YJ-17 anti-ship ballistic missiles
• ChangJian-20A and YingJi-18C cruise missiles
• Dongfeng-31 and Dongfeng-61 intercontinental missiles, some nuclear-capable
• J-20 stealth fighters and J-10 combat jets
• Underwater drones and unmanned helicopters

Helicopters flew banners reading “Justice Will Prevail,” “Peace Will Prevail,” and “The People Will Prevail.” The parade ended with a colorful release of 80,000 doves and balloons, symbolizing peace and unity.

China also unveiled its fourth-generation main battle tank, equipped with radar systems, protective armor, and augmented reality features. The event was a clear demonstration of China’s push to modernize its military by 2035.

Asian Leaders Join the Celebration

The parade wasn’t just a national event, it was a regional diplomatic showcase. More than 25 foreign leaders attended, many from Asia, highlighting China’s growing influence. Key Asian leaders present included:

• Russian President Vladimir Putin
• North Korean leader Kim Jong Un
• Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian
• Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
• Nepal’s K.P. Sharma Oli
• Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu
• Myanmar’s President Min Aung Hlaing
• Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (despite domestic protests)

Xi Jinping stood flanked by Putin and Kim Jong Un, marking the first public appearance of the trio together. Their presence sent a strong signal of unity among authoritarian powers and raised eyebrows in the West.

Leaders from Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East also joined, including delegations from Laos, Malaysia, Vietnam, Turkey, and Egypt. The parade followed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, further cementing China’s role as a regional convenor.

A Message of Peace or Power?

While China called the parade a tribute to peace and history, critics saw it as a show of force. Japan and Taiwan expressed concern over the event’s tone, accusing China of rewriting history and using the parade to justify its territorial ambitions.

Western leaders largely boycotted the event, with only a few exceptions like Serbia and Slovakia. U.S. President Donald Trump posted a sarcastic message on Truth Social, saying, “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against the United States of America.”

Despite the criticism, Xi Jinping used the parade to promote a “multipolar world” and reject what he called “hegemonism and power politics.” He framed the event as part of China’s “great rejuvenation,” a journey from wartime suffering to global leadership.

Conclusion: China’s Grand Victory Day parade was more than a military celebration, it was a bold statement of national pride, regional diplomacy, and global ambition. As the world watches China’s rise, this event may be remembered not just for its spectacle, but for the alliances and messages it carried across borders.

Also read – Taiwan President Calls for Peace, Strengthens Defenses Amid China Tensions

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