Chinese honor guard troops parade through Tiananmen Square during a rehearsal for a grand parade on September 3, in Beijing. This event was originally celebrated as a victory of the end of World War II. The event, held in Tiananmen Square, featured an impressive array of uniformed soldiers marching in formation, showcasing China’s military capabilities and Xi’s vision for the country’s future.
First, Xi Jinping’s eye-popping entrance. He waved as he passed in an intimidating open-top black limousine, the start of what would be a long inspection of the troops. This symbolic act emphasized his firm grip on the military and highlighted the importance of national pride in his administration. During his address, Xi proclaimed, “History reminds us that the destiny of mankind is closely linked,” underscoring the interconnectedness of nations and the significance of unity in facing global challenges.
The military parade served not only as a commemoration but as a platform for Xi to reinforce his commitment to bolstering China’s military prowess. Under his leadership, the Chinese military, or People’s Liberation Army (PLA), is undergoing an unprecedented period of modernization. These military modernization efforts are intended to compete with, in some cases exceed, U.S. military capabilities. This all-consuming pursuit of a “world-class” PLA dovetails nicely with Xi’s overall agenda of restoring China to its historical glory.
Xi Jinping’s nationalist rhetoric resonated throughout the event as he praised the armed forces and articulated his vision for an “unstoppable” rise of China. He repeatedly stressed the importance of building a military capable of actually fighting and winning wars. This was an important and symbolic action as it sent a strong message both at home and around the world.
“The Chinese nation is the great nation that is never intimidated by any bullies,” – Xi Jinping [CNN]
Xi’s parade showed off quite a military prowess. It put a spotlight on the latest in advanced weaponry, including a land-based laser system mounted on an eight-wheeled truck. This could be the breakthrough that overcomes the previous low power limitations of laser weapons. It is a clear display of China’s commitment to leapfrogging ahead in military technology.
The event revealed the strength of Xi Jinping’s diplomatic ties, most notably with North Korea. To mark the occasion, he recently announced great plans for a “Year of Friendship” in 2024. This year’s celebration will mark 75 years of diplomatic relations between China and North Korea. This initiative indicates Xi’s view of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as an integral partner in establishing a world order that challenges Western dominance.
Russian President Vladimir Putin was in attendance at the parade alongside Xi. More important was what their presence represented—their united front against the perceived encroachment of Western hegemony. Both leaders made prominent appearances at the event, further demonstrating their shared vision for a new global order. They spoke eloquently to the value of cooperation between emerging non-Western powers.
As the parade unfolded, social media reactions reflected a range of emotions among Chinese citizens. One Weibo user expressed deep sentiment, stating, “My tears won’t stop coming down. Very emotional,” as they witnessed the display of national pride and military might.
