AsianFin -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday declared that the world faces a choice between “peace or war” and “dialogues or confrontation” as Beijing hosted its largest military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Xi’s remarks coincided with a social media post from U.S. President Donald Trump, who urged Xi to acknowledge America’s contributions to China’s freedom while claiming Beijing was conspiring against Washington. “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un were among more than 20 global leaders attending the “Victory Day” parade at Tiananmen Square, highlighting China’s growing influence in regional diplomacy. Analysts said the appearance of Putin and Kim is unlikely to derail ongoing U.S.-China trade negotiations, as both sides appear committed to progressing toward a deal in the coming months.
“The fact that China has this increased gravitational pull in regional diplomacy shows the progress it has made, especially amid uncertainty about Washington’s appetite for trade and investment deals in Asia,” said Neil Thomas, a China politics fellow at the Asia Society.
Xi also used his speech to pledge stronger military capabilities, emphasizing the Chinese armed forces’ role in safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity. The parade displayed missiles, military trucks, soldiers in formation, and fighter jets, showcasing China’s domestically produced and latest military equipment.
“The foreign delegations in attendance reflect shifts in China’s influence, with Western leaders largely absent,” said Jeremy Chan, senior analyst for China and Northeast Asia at Eurasia Group. He noted that eight leaders from Southeast Asia attended, signaling Beijing’s growing regional sway. Chan also noted Kim Jong Un’s presence as a sign of warming ties between China and North Korea, even as South Korea’s president declined the invitation.
North Korea has reportedly deployed troops to Russia amid its war in Ukraine, while Beijing has avoided labeling Moscow’s actions an invasion, instead presenting itself as a potential mediator. The U.S. has accused China of supporting Russia militarily, allegations Beijing denies.
Observers also noted the appearance of Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, at the event. “Her positioning behind Kim Jong Un and engagement with Chinese senior officials indicates she continues to receive protocol treatment akin to North Korea’s second-in-command, even abroad,” said Cheong Seong-Chang, vice president of the Sejong Institute in Seoul.
Many parade attendees, including Putin, had participated in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin over the weekend. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the summit but did not remain for the parade. Images of Modi, Putin, and Xi together in Tianjin went viral prior to Wednesday’s festivities.
Xi previously attended a military parade in Moscow in May alongside Putin, and the two leaders signed a legally binding deal for the long-delayed Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline on Tuesday in Beijing.
China’s last major military parade was in 2019, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party’s rule. Speaking then from Tiananmen Square, Xi declared, “No force can stop the Chinese people and the Chinese nation forging ahead.” Xi, who became president in 2013, removed presidential term limits in 2018.
Putin attended China’s 2015 parade marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, alongside South Korean President Park Geun-hye and representatives from the U.S., France, Germany, and the U.K., according to Chinese state media.
China described Wednesday’s event as commemorating the “80th anniversary of the country’s victory against Japanese aggression and the world’s victory against fascism,” underscoring both historical memory and the nation’s modern military ambitions.
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