China power took center stage on Wednesday as President Xi Jinping declared the nation “unstoppable” during a grand military parade in Beijing. Flanked by Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Xi used the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II to showcase military might and political alliances. The event sent a clear message about China’s growing confidence and its position on the global stage.
A Show of Strength
Xi opened the parade with a stark warning, stating the world still faced the choice between peace and war. His words came against the backdrop of rows of advanced weaponry, disciplined troops, and a flypast of warplanes forming the number “80.” The highlight of the display was the DF-5C intercontinental ballistic missile, capable of reaching 20,000 kilometers. Supersonic missiles, underwater drones, and other cutting-edge technology further underscored Beijing’s military ambitions.
As Xi stood in an open limousine rolling down Chang’an Avenue, he inspected the massed troops, presenting China as not only militarily prepared but also politically aligned with like-minded nations.
Leaders in Unity
The presence of Putin, Kim, and Shehbaz alongside Xi underlined a strong display of unity among countries challenging Western influence. For Kim Jong Un, who rarely travels abroad, the event marked his second reported international visit in six years and his first appearance with both Xi and Putin together. His daughter, Kim Ju Ae, and sister Kim Yo Jong also accompanied him, signaling the importance North Korea placed on the gathering.
Shehbaz’s presence highlighted Pakistan’s strategic role in China’s regional calculations. State-run reports emphasized that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had not been invited, a detail underscoring shifting regional alignments.
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Trump’s Reaction
The spectacle drew sharp criticism from Washington. Former U.S. President Donald Trump blasted the gathering, accusing Xi, Putin, and Kim of conspiring against the United States. His remarks on Truth Social added to the already tense geopolitical atmosphere, further illustrating how symbolic displays in Beijing reverberated far beyond Asia.
Military Precision
The 90-minute parade was meticulously choreographed. Thousands of soldiers marched in tight formations while armored vehicles and missile systems rumbled past Tiananmen Square. Above, helicopters and jets filled the skies in synchronized patterns, thrilling Beijing’s residents who lined the streets to watch.
The symbolism extended beyond weaponry. The event commemorated China’s sacrifices during the war with Japan in the 1930s and 1940s, linking historical memory with modern power. By doing so, Beijing tied national pride to military strength and international partnerships.
Summit Before Parade
The parade capped a week of intense diplomacy. Before the event, Xi hosted leaders at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin. The group of 10 Eurasian nations positions itself as a non-Western model of collaboration. Xi used the summit to denounce “bullying behavior” by other countries, a veiled reference to the United States.
Putin defended Russia’s actions in Ukraine, claiming Western policies had triggered the conflict. The summit drew leaders including Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and other Eurasian allies, many of whom later appeared at the Beijing parade. The absence of Western leaders underscored the divide between China’s sphere of influence and traditional global alliances.
Political Message
China’s ability to bring together Putin and Kim highlighted its convening power. Analysts described Kim’s appearance as evidence that North Korea sought recognition as a respected partner of both Russia and China. For Beijing, the moment reinforced its image as a central player capable of uniting allies at a time of rising global competition.
Security in Beijing was tightened to ensure the smooth running of the event. Streets were closed, white barriers lined major roads, and thousands of military personnel secured the capital. The elaborate arrangements reflected the importance China placed on projecting order, strength, and authority.
Diplomatic Ripples
After the parade, Putin and Kim held talks, with Putin thanking North Korea for deploying troops in support of Russia’s Ukraine campaign. The meeting emphasized the depth of cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, made possible through China’s platform.
Lam Peng Er, a senior researcher from the East Asian Institute in Singapore, noted that the gathering demonstrated North Korea’s access to powerful allies. It also showed that China has the political clout to assemble leaders who are often isolated on the global stage.
Beyond the Parade
For millions watching, the event symbolized more than just military strength. It represented China’s determination to claim a leadership role in shaping international order. By declaring China “unstoppable,” Xi tied national pride, military advancement, and diplomatic alliances into one powerful statement.
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