Chinese President Xi Jinping, flanked by Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, opened the country’s largest-ever military parade with a stark message: the world now stands at a crossroads between peace and war.
The Tiananmen Square event to mark 80 years since Japan’s defeat at the end of World War Two, has been largely shunned by western leaders with Putin and Kim – pariahs in the west due to the Ukraine war – the guests of honour.
‘Win-Win Or Zero-Sum’
Designed to project China’s military might and diplomatic clout, it also comes as US President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs and volatile policymaking strain its relations with allies and rivals alike.
“Today, mankind is faced with the choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, win-win or zero-sum,” Xi told a crowd of more than 50,000 spectators, adding that the Chinese people “firmly stand on the right side of history”.
Wearing a suit in the style of those worn by former leader Mao Zedong, Xi earlier greeted the more than 20 leaders saying “Nice to meet you” and “Welcome to China” in English. Indonesia’s president, facing widespread protests at home, made a surprise appearance.
Trump’s Swipe
“Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social as the parade kicked off.
Trump had earlier told reporters he did not see the parade as a challenge to the United States and reiterated his “very good relationship” with Xi.
The 70-minute showcase featured aerial displays, marching troops as well as cutting-edge military equipment such as hypersonic missiles, unmanned drones and outfitted tanks. Xi will review the troops lined up in formation before delivering a keynote speech.
Major roads and schools have been closed in Beijing for the parade, the culmination of weeks of painstaking security preparations and midnight rehearsals.
(With inputs from Reuters)
