On September 3, 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping led a grand military parade in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square to commemorate the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan and the conclusion of World War II. The event was a opportunity for China to display its military might to a domestic and foreign audience. This was a historic time. The meeting between Xi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was their first public trilateral, representing an authoritarian trifecta.
The 70-minute parade began with displays of advanced weaponry, including hypersonic YJ-21 anti-ship ballistic missiles and stealth fighter jets, along with nuclear-capable missiles. The event was watched by over 50,000 spectators in person and leaders from 26 countries, demonstrating China’s burgeoning power on the global stage.
Showcasing Military Power
The parade was not merely a celebration but a demonstration of China’s rapid advances in military technology under Xi’s leadership. Riding in an open-top, black limousine, Xi personally reviewed troops and some of the most advanced weapons China has ever produced down the Avenue of Eternal Peace.
Analysts noted that the peaceful nature of the event was intended to send a clear signal to competitor countries, especially to the United States. “China’s military parade: A showcase of national power. US military parade: A showcase of relaxation,” remarked a Weibo user, reflecting the contrasting messages sent by military displays from both nations.
Xi Jinping took advantage of this opening to call for the establishment of a “world-class” military. He underscored his “Made in China 2025” vision for the country’s future. The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable,” he proclaimed, doubling down on his story of national power and perseverance.
A Historic Convergence
This parade was a rare moment of convergence among leaders who have frequently been seen as frenemies with the West’s influence. Notable guests at the event included Putin, Kim Jong Un and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Their presence highlighted a diplomatic connection that experts say might not extend to closer collaborative relations.
Jonathan Czin, a geopolitical analyst and one-time Asian Development Bank advisor noted that this partnership probably just marks a symbolic high-water mark. He thinks it doesn’t mean more extensive quadrilateral cooperation or a broader turn toward a new world order.
The collection of these leaders onto one stage was important in asserting their unified position against what they claimed was Western hegemony. The parade would give both of them the chance to show their unity while demonstrating their military power.
Implications for Global Politics
Xi’s display of military might came as a direct rebuttal to U.S. President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy. Beyond the military posturing, the timing of this People’s War parade communicates an unmistakable message about the dramatic changes afoot in world politics.
In an ironic twist, Trump commented on the event via social media, saying, “May President Xi and the wonderful people of China have a great and lasting day of celebration. Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un as you conspire against The United States of America.”
These comments have heralded an aggressive escalation in the rhetorical conflict between these countries. More importantly, though, they highlight Xi’s desire to see China, once again, play the leading role in global affairs. Unlike most parades, this one was meant to engage and entertain a mobile local audience. It bravely telegraphed China’s willingness to take charge and assert leadership in international realpolitik.
