BEIJING – In a striking display of geopolitical alignment, Chinese President Xi Jinping marched shoulder-to-shoulder with Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during China’s largest-ever military parade on Wednesday, marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II.
The event, held in Tiananmen Square, served as a potent reminder of historical grievances and a bold assertion of contemporary power amid rising global tensions. The parade, dubbed “Victory Day” by Chinese state media, featured an unprecedented array of military hardware, including advanced laser weapons, intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads, and state-of-the-art drones.
Over 15,000 troops participated, alongside fighter jets streaking overhead and columns of tanks rumbling through the historic square. Xi, dressed in a crisp military-style suit, led the procession, flanked by Putin and Kim – a rare public appearance together for the trio, often described as forming an “axis of upheaval” against Western influence.
In his opening address, Xi warned that the world stands at a crossroads between “peace and war,” urging nations to learn from the lessons of WWII while implicitly criticizing U.S.-led alliances in the Asia-Pacific region.
“History teaches us that hegemony and power politics lead to conflict,” Xi stated, emphasizing China’s commitment to “multipolarity” in global affairs. The speech resonated with the attending leaders, who have each faced international sanctions and isolation from the West. Putin, attending amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, praised the event as a symbol of enduring friendship between Moscow and Beijing.
Kim Jong Un, making a rare trip abroad, appeared animated during the proceedings, engaging in visible conversations with his counterparts. Analysts suggest the gathering underscores deepening ties among the three nations, with China providing economic lifelines to both Russia and North Korea through trade and diplomatic support.
Dozens of other world leaders and dignitaries were in attendance, including representatives from African and Latin American countries, highlighting China’s efforts to court the Global South.
However, notable absences included leaders from the U.S., Japan, and most European nations, reflecting strained relations over issues like Taiwan, human rights, and trade disputes. The parade’s scale surpassed previous Chinese military showcases, with live broadcasts capturing the leaders’ synchronized steps and the crowd’s enthusiastic applause.
Security was tight, with Beijing’s streets cleared and airspace restricted for hours. Social media buzzed with images and videos of the event, though state censors quickly removed any critical commentary. Experts view the parade as a strategic message to the incoming U.S. administration and its allies, especially with potential shifts in American foreign policy on the horizon.
“This isn’t just about history; it’s about projecting future dominance,” said Dr. Elena Vasquez, a geopolitical analyst at the Asia-Pacific Institute. As the dust settles on Tiananmen Square, the image of Xi, Putin, and Kim marching in lockstep may herald a more assertive bloc in international relations. The event concluded with a fireworks display and a ceremonial flyover, leaving observers to ponder its implications for global stability in an increasingly divided world.
