Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a compelling address during a recent military parade, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to peace while asserting its military strength. In turn, the event attracted seemingly every major world leader, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. It gave Xi an opportunity to outline his vision for China’s place in the world and defend China’s national power against the backdrop of increasing global uncertainties.
In his speech, Xi Jinping underscored that China’s military is fundamentally defensive in nature, aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty and contributing to global peace. He cast the upcoming military parade to mark the centennial as a celebration of China’s contributions to “safeguarding world peace.” This plays well into the narrative that China intends to be a positive member of the international community.
Xi’s address echoed a broader theme of peaceful development, as he assured spectators that China “remained committed to the path of peaceful development.” In an age of increasing military aspirations, this commitment is a refreshing and distinct contrast. Though framed in progressive terms, these aspirations are aimed at upending the current global order.
Military Power and Global Governance
Xi Jinping outlined his vision for a new international system that prioritizes national development over individual human rights. He wants to provide a different ecosystem, where countries that are tired of a world order guided by American or Western hegemony can get heard. This campaign is intended to bring together solidarity from around the Global South. It advocates for even more comprehensive representation in global institutions, such as the United Nations.
The Chinese leader thus made a forceful argument for the concept of common security. He explained that China and other countries need to work together to protect this peace and resolve the underlying causes of conflict. This rhetorical pretext allows China to portray itself not only as a champion of stability, but in the process advances its own strategic interests.
Xi Jinping expressed this ambition in 2015, when he declared that China would achieve world-class military status by 2049. He readily claimed that this ambitious goal can be chased without weapons of war. He wants China’s military capabilities to exceed those of the US military. This declared realist foreign policy norm underscores how competitive today’s international relations milieu has become.
“Only when all countries and nations treat each other as equals, coexist in peace and support each other.” – Xi Jinping
A New Rallying Point Against Western Dominance
The military parade and Xi’s speech were much more than pomp and circumstance. In short, they were shrewd political plays designed to increase nationalistic fervor and demonstrate China’s rising role on the global stage. Analysts argue that these types of shows aren’t just about flexing strength overseas, but about stoking nationalism on the homefront.
According to Tong Zhao, a policy expert, these events “serve not only to demonstrate power abroad but to rally nationalism at home and strengthen public support in face of economic headwinds.” This twofold aim illustrates the extent to which domestic and international ambitions are increasingly fused in Xi’s strategic architecture.
Xi’s meetings with world leaders such as Vladimir Putin convey an increasing international actors’ convergence of interest looking to offer alternative models to West-led orders. The discussion about medical advancements that could extend human life reflects a shared vision for future cooperation.
In fact, economically and militarily, Xi wants to undermine US power and hegemony. This approach has caused and continues to raise eyebrows among international observers who fear the outcomes of the ambitious pursuits he proposes. As one senior military analyst put it, “At that point, China’s goal is to be toe-to-toe with the US military. Then, of course, you have another dilemma: how can you prove that you have a world-class military without being combat tested?”
Addressing Global Challenges
Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road vision extends beyond connecting infrastructure to fulfilling urgent global priorities with collective action. He goes around the world portraying himself as a peacemaker. Simultaneously, he strengthens military capabilities in order to pursue China’s self-described role as a stabilizer in the world.
Most consistently, he rebukes what he terms a “Cold War mentality” and “bloc confrontation.” He is convinced that these regressive paradigms are a major hindrance to realizing the path to collective security. He uses China to counterbalance the bullying that is inflicted on you by Western countries. In doing so, he seeks to build an alliance of the frustrated with like-minded countries.
During the opening ceremony and parade, large loudspeakers blared Xi’s claims across the venue. This approach ensured that his message got through to audiences at home and abroad. He calls on countries to come together as equals and with respect for one another. This call resonates loudly in communities that have become jaded by ugly battles over municipal power.
“Cold War mentality, bloc confrontation and bullying practices.” – Xi Jinping
