Triumph and deterrence: China stages the largest military parade in its history
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Beijing, September 3, 2025 – To mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, China held its largest military parade ever in Tiananmen Square in Beijing . In a conspicuous show of force, President Xi Jinping orchestrated a dazzling display of historical remembrance, cutting-edge weaponry, and powerful political symbolism. The occasion was masterfully orchestrated to underscore China's rising role in an increasingly multipolar world order.
Military display with a geopolitical message
The parade began at 9:00 a.m. local time (1:00 GMT) with an impressive display of military units: troop formations, all-terrain vehicles, and the complete "nuclear triad"—land-, air-, and sea-based intercontinental ballistic missiles—were presented. These were complemented by sophisticated air and drone technologies, including unmanned underwater vehicles and hypersonic weapons, as well as stealth fighter jets and submarines.
Political symbolism and alliance politics
At the front of the VIP row sat Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un – appearing together with Xi Jinping in public for the first time. Their presence sent a strong signal of transregional cooperation beyond Western alliances. Kim Jong Un's daughter, Ju Ae , made her first public appearance at an international event. With other invited guests from Central, West, and Southeast Asia, China is reinforcing the impression of a rising authoritarian bloc in the global arena.
Xi Jinping's core message: Peace or war – and China's role
In his Tiananmen Gate speech, Xi Jinping presented the world with a choice between “peace or war”—a clear reference to geopolitical tensions and growing rivalry with the West. Xi portrayed World War II as a turning point in the “great resurgence of the Chinese nation” and reaffirmed China’s historical willingness to sacrifice and its legitimate leadership role in a new world order.
Security precautions and financial dimensions
Massive security measures were put in place for the event. Schools were closed and streets blocked throughout Beijing, and tens of thousands of volunteers were recruited to maintain public order. Taiwanese authorities estimate the parade's cost at approximately US$5 billion – roughly two percent of China's total defense budget.
International reactions and symbolic interpretation
While Western heads of state and government stayed away, Donald Trump commented on the event mockingly, suggesting a joint conspiracy against the United States. In Taiwan, President William Lai, in response to the parade, emphasized the importance of democratic values and peace.
Conclusion
China's military parade on September 3, 2025, was far more than a mere commemoration of the historic end of World War II. It combined a projection of power with a symbolically charged narrative of legitimacy, leadership, and historical resurgence. The combination of modern weaponry, the display of new alliances, and the massive media spectacle demonstrates China's determination to position itself as a central player in a post-Western world order—while simultaneously consolidating Xi Jinping's role as a military and moral guarantor domestically.