China Military Display Signals Xi’s Global Power Ambitions

China showed off its military might in its largest-ever military parade at Tiananmen Square. President Xi Jinping spoke to more than 50,000 spectators. The grand event celebrated 80 years since Japan’s defeat in World War Two and started with a powerful 80-gun artillery salute. The West largely stayed away from the parade, with only Serbia and Slovakia sending their representatives.

The massive display put China’s military strength on full show through its innovative military technology. Xi rode in an open-top limousine to inspect troops and advanced weapons. The parade featured hypersonic missiles, underwater drones, and a weaponized “robot wolf”. New electronic warfare jets and a submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile proved China’s growing military capabilities. The 70-minute spectacle ended with the release of 80,000 “peace” birds, while the capital sparkled with more than 200,000 flags. Russian President Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stood with Xi on the red carpet. This rare public alliance sent a clear message about China’s rising influence in global affairs.

Xi showcases military power at Tiananmen parade

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A powerful artillery display with 80 cannon shots marked the start of the military parade at Tiananmen Square. These shots represented eight decades since China’s victory in what the nation calls “the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression”.

Event marks 80th anniversary of WWII’s end

Beijing became a grand stage on Wednesday as it marked 80 years since World War II ended. The conflict started for China in 1931 with Japan’s invasion and claimed between 20 to 35 million military and civilian lives over 14 years. The celebration featured 26 helicopters that flew together to form the number “80” above Tiananmen Square. President Xi welcomed “distinguished guests from various countries” and shared his “heartfelt thanks to the foreign governments and international friends who supported and helped the Chinese people in their resistance against aggression”. The ceremony ended with 80,000 “peace” doves taking flight, which created a powerful symbol of China’s dedication to peace.

Xi inspects troops and advanced weaponry

Xi rode through Chang’an Avenue in a Chinese-made Red Flag limousine. He stood through the sunroof to review the military formations and called out “Tongzhimen hao” (“Greetings, comrades”). The troops responded as one. The parade showcased China’s most advanced weapons, highlighting the People’s Liberation Army’s quick modernization. The display included hypersonic missiles, underwater drones, new electronic warfare jets, and counter-drone systems. New military divisions made their debut: the Aerospace Force for space operations, the Cyberspace Force for cybersecurity, and the Information Support Force for high-tech warfare.

Symbolism of Mao-style tunic and historical references

Xi chose to wear a gray Mao-style tunic that connected his leadership to China’s revolutionary heritage. His speech drew clear links between past struggles and today’s challenges. He declared: “The Chinese nation is a great nation that fears no tyranny and stands firm on its own feet”. He reminded everyone that when faced with “a life-and-death struggle between justice and evil, light and darkness, progress and reaction, the Chinese people united in hatred of the enemy and rose up in resistance”. These historical references placed current global tensions within China’s story of national renewal after past humiliations.

Putin and Kim join Xi in rare public alliance

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The military parade became a turning point in global politics. Xi Jinping stood next to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un. Their unprecedented show of solidarity among the three nations made history. This remarkable gathering marked the first time these leaders appeared together in public. Their presence created a powerful image of an emerging anti-Western alliance.

Leaders walk red carpet together

Xi, Putin, and Kim walked side by side down a red carpet. More than 20 foreign dignitaries followed them. The three leaders talked often as they watched thousands of troops and military equipment from their viewing gallery seats. Western leaders stayed away from this public display of unity. Only Serbia and Slovakia represented Europe at the event. Leaders from Myanmar, Iran, Pakistan, and Belarus attended. Most came from authoritarian governments or nations that wanted closer ties with Beijing.

Analysts interpret message to the West

This gathering meant more than just a show of power. Analysts believe the summit points to closer defense ties after Russia and North Korea signed pacts in June 2024. These alliances could change military dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region by a lot. Xi told his guests at a reception that humanity must not return to the “law of the jungle”. His words seemed to criticize Western dominance. Putin thanked Kim for North Korean soldiers’ “courageous fighting” in Ukraine during their private meeting. This confirmed North Korea’s role in the conflict. Kim said he would keep supporting Russia.

Kim’s daughter’s presence and succession speculation

Kim Jong Un brought his daughter Ju Ae to Beijing for her first international appearance. She did not attend the parade but her arrival on her father’s armored train sparked much interest. South Korea’s intelligence agency thinks Ju Ae will likely succeed Kim. Questions remain about her chances in North Korea’s male-dominated system. At about 13 years old, she shows up at important events more often. Analysts see this as a sign of succession planning.

China unveils cutting-edge military technology

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China’s arsenal of next-generation warfare systems took center stage at the parade. The event highlighted Beijing’s military capabilities that are evolving faster in multiple domains.

Hypersonic missiles and underwater drones displayed

The parade featured four new hypersonic anti-ship missiles: the YJ-15, YJ-17, YJ-19, and YJ-20. These missiles can inflict serious damage to large vessels while moving at speeds that make them very hard to intercept. The event also revealed two torpedo-shaped unmanned underwater vehicles, the AJX002 and HSU100. These extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicles showcase China’s expanding undersea capabilities. The HSU100 has been specifically designed to lay mines.

New electronic warfare jets and counter-drone systems

The J15-DT, a carrier-based electronic warfare jet, made its debut. This aircraft serves as both a flying support system and decoy for fighter jets. The FK-3000 anti-drone system was a notable addition, designed to defend against mass drone attacks. It features a 30mm automatic cannon and 24 short-range missiles that can engage threats from 300 to 12,000 meters. The OW5-A50 laser weapon rounded out the display, with its 50-kilowatt power output mounted on an 8×8 truck chassis.

Lessons drawn from Russia-Ukraine war

Chinese military experts have studied the Ukraine conflict closely and adjusted their defense priorities accordingly. Counter-drone systems and airborne early warning aircraft have emerged as vital components of modern warfare. China’s military has learned from Ukraine’s battlefield and moved toward integrating AI-powered drone swarms and unmanned systems into joint operational frameworks.

Xi signals new global order in keynote speech

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“”The Chinese people love peace.”” — Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China

President Xi Jinping’s keynote address at the military parade stated his vision to reshape global power dynamics. His speech served as a warning to adversaries and rallied support from allies.

Calls for unity against hegemonism

Xi revealed his vision for a new world order at a regional security summit. He called for unity against “hegemonism and power politics” – a subtle criticism aimed at nations across the Pacific. Xi declared to the massive crowd that the “Chinese nation is a great nation that fears no tyranny and stands firm on its own feet”. Atlantic Council fellow Wen-Ti Sung believes this positioning was calculated. “Xi feels confident that the table has turned. It’s China that is back in the driver’s seat now”.

References to peace vs war and win-win cooperation

Xi framed current geopolitical tensions as a fundamental choice in his speech. “Today, mankind is faced with the choice of peace or war, dialog or confrontation, win-win or zero-sum”. He stressed that Chinese people “firmly stand on the right side of history”. The president drew clear parallels between past struggles and current challenges. He noted that the Chinese people united against enemies in times of “life-and-death struggle between justice and evil, light and darkness”.

Implications for Taiwan and regional security

Xi’s speech referenced “the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” multiple times. This phrase supports his plan for China’s future that includes Taiwan annexation. Xi promised to “safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity”. He reminded everyone that “the Chinese People’s Liberation Army has always been a heroic force on which the Party and the people can totally rely”. Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te responded that Taiwan “does not commemorate peace with a barrel of a gun”.

China’s massive military display means much more than just remembering history. The parade showed Beijing’s growing military might and global ambitions through its unprecedented scale and advanced technology. Xi’s decision to stand with Putin and Kim Jong Un points to a fundamental change in global alliances that could shape international relations in the coming decades.

The meticulously planned event achieved several key goals. It highlighted China’s remarkable military progress, especially in advanced technologies like hypersonic weapons and underwater drones. Xi, Putin, and Kim’s rare joint appearance created a united stance against Western influence. Xi’s message about opposing “hegemonism” while promoting peace crafted a calculated diplomatic story.

Western nations should pay attention to these developments. The parade revealed China’s military hardware and its newfound confidence globally. Xi chose to wear a Mao-style tunic and spoke about past fights against tyranny. This connected today’s goals with China’s revolutionary history and placed current tensions within a story of national renewal.

Taiwan’s security remains a crucial concern. Xi kept mentioning “national rejuvenation” and territorial integrity while showing off advanced military capabilities. This sent a clear message about China’s commitment to its territorial goals. All but one of the Western leaders stayed away, except those from Serbia and Slovakia. This highlighted the widening gap between China and the West.

The parade looked like a peace celebration but revealed China’s readiness for potential conflict. Beijing learned from the Russia-Ukraine war and adapted its military technologies for modern warfare. Kim’s daughter’s presence hinted at long-term succession planning among China’s allies.

This grand display marks a turning point in China’s emergence as a military superpower. China has changed from a regional force to a global competitor that challenges the current world order under Xi’s leadership. The message is clear – China wants military respect and economic influence globally. It backs this up with advanced capabilities and mutually beneficial alliances that could revolutionize global power dynamics for generations.