China Showcases Military Power as Xi Delivers Stern Sovereignty Message

Beijing – Chinese President Xi Jinping on September 3 stressed that the world is facing a choice between “peace or war, dialogue or confrontation” as China staged a massive military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Xi’s remarks came as former U.S. President Donald Trump, in a post on Truth Social, urged Beijing to acknowledge Washington’s role in helping secure China’s freedom while accusing China of “conspiring against the United States” alongside Russia and North Korea.

Putin and Kim Attend Tiananmen Parade

The parade drew over 20 heads of state and international leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Analysts said Kim’s unexpected attendance signaled warming ties between Pyongyang and Beijing, even as Washington and Seoul intensify diplomatic outreach to North Korea.

At Tiananmen Square, Chinese troops showcased a wide range of domestically developed weaponry, including missiles, armored vehicles, and fighter jets. The display was viewed as both a demonstration of military capability and a reflection of Beijing’s growing confidence on the global stage.

Implicit Message on Taiwan

In his speech, Xi called for strengthening China’s defense capabilities and vowed that the People’s Liberation Army would safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. While he did not explicitly mention Taiwan, analysts interpreted his remarks as a signal of Beijing’s firm stance on the self-ruled island.

Shifting Regional Influence

According to Eurasia Group experts, the presence of several Southeast Asian leaders highlighted China’s expanding regional influence, while Western leaders were largely absent. This absence underscored a shifting balance in both diplomatic and economic dynamics across Asia.

Alliances and Confrontations

While Beijing presents itself as a “peacemaker,” Washington has repeatedly accused China of providing military support to Russia in the Ukraine conflict—allegations Beijing has denied. The appearance of Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, at the international event fueled further speculation about her growing role as a potential successor.

Russia–China Energy Pact

On the sidelines of the event, Xi and Putin signed a legally binding agreement to move forward with the long-delayed Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, underscoring the deepening strategic partnership between Beijing and Moscow.

China described the parade as a commemoration of the “80th anniversary of the Chinese people’s victory against Japanese aggression and the world’s victory over fascism.”