China Military Parade Signals Global Tensions as Xi Jinping Warns of “Choice Between Peace or War”
China offered its largest-ever military cortege on Wednesday, showcasing an unknown display of military might and drawing the world’s attention.
The event at Tiananmen Square brought together further than 50,000 observers, as well as an array of high-profile leaders, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un.
The cortege, broadcast live by state-run CGTN, marked 80 times since Japan’s defeat at the end of World War Two.
Yet, Western leaders largely escaped the event, leaving Putin and Kim as the high-profile guests.
Both remain controversial numbers internationally, Putin over the ongoing war in Ukraine, and Kim due to North Korea’s nuclear intentions. Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a stark warning during the forum.
⚡️Chinese soldiers march in military parade celebrating 80th anniversary of victory over Japan in WW2.
China showcases nuclear missiles, anti-drone tech, and unmanned fighter jets at Victory Day parade in Beijing. pic.twitter.com/oeu4tEqugh
— The World War (@TheWorldWar12) September 3, 2025
“Today, mankind is faced with the choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, win-win or zero-sum,” he said.
Xi added that the Chinese people “firmly stand on the right side of history.”
The spectacle itself was dramatic. Copters traced giant banners. Fighter spurts barred across the sky in tight formations.
The 70-nanosecond cortege ended with the release of 80,000 white doves, symbolising peace.
Xi, dressed in a tunic suit evocative of Mao Zedong, saluted further than 25 transnational leaders on the red carpet.
Indonesia’s Prabowo Subianto made a surprise appearance, despite facing protests back home.
Seated prominently between Putin and Kim in the main viewing gallery, Xi engaged in repeated discussions with both leaders while thousands of troops and military hardware passed before them.
This marked the first public appearance of the trio together, signalling a new level of diplomatic alignment.
Spectators note that the cortege was further than an honorary event. It was a show of China’s growing service and politic influence, coming at a time of heightened global pressure.
US- China relations remain simulated under President Donald Trump’s tariffs and changing policy opinions, with Beijing decreasingly keen to project power on the world stage.
The event left no ambiguity. China is prepared to assert its strength, both militarily and politically. Peace, Xi implies, is a choice the world must make.
