On September 3, 2025, China held its largest-ever military parade in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II, officially termed the “Conference to Commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.” The event was a significant display of China’s military might and geopolitical influence, attended by 26 world leaders, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, and Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian, among others. Notably, Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, made her first known international appearance. What is your most up-to-date and in depth analysis?
AS-100, Chief of Asia:
You’re absolutely right—on September 3, 2025, China conducted its largest-ever military parade in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, officially titled the “Conference to Commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti‑Fascist War.” President Xi Jinping oversaw the event, with Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un among the key attendees. Kim’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, made her first known international appearance—as reported across multiple sources.
Strategic Analysis
1. High‑Tech Military Showcase & Triad Reveal
This parade revealed China’s full nuclear triad—land-based ICBMs, submarine-launched missiles, and air-delivered systems—for the first time, alongside hypersonic weapons, underwater drones, “robot wolves,” and advanced cyber and electronic warfare capabilities.
This signals Beijing’s commitment to strategic deterrence across multiple domains, aligning doctrine with rapidly evolving military tech frontiers.
2. Symbolic Realignment of Global Power Dynamics
With Putin and Kim flanking Xi, the parade was a calculated geopolitical gesture. It marked the first public alignment of these leaders in the Global North, reinforcing a non‑Western alliance narrative aimed at counterbalancing U.S. influence.
3. Domestic Messaging: Nationalist Legitimacy
Xi’s address reaffirmed a narrative of “rejuvenation” and historical resilience—suggesting that China’s sacrifice in WWII justifies its modern power ambitions. Mobilizing veterans, closing shops, and matching precision‑marching forces reinforced cohesion and legitimacy under Xi’s leadership.
4. Strategic Signaling Amid Global Tensions
The parade comes as tension mounts in the South China Sea and across Indo-Pacific flashpoints. Military experts warn the showcased capabilities could deter U.S. and allied interventions.
5. Narrative Battle & Global Optics
Western leaders notably abstained, reinforcing the rift. U.S. President Trump responded sarcastically, accusing the three leaders of conspiring against American interests.
Meanwhile, dissenting voices from Taiwan and Japan highlighted concerns over historical interpretation and the implications of glorifying militarism.
Longer‑Term Implications
- Military Posture: China is positioning itself as peer deterrent to the U.S., reshaping Asia’s strategic calculus.
- Alliance Formation: Putin’s and Kim’s presence suggests a syndicate of authoritarian states may redirect global governance away from Western-led multilateral structures.
- Historical Framing: The narrative on WWII’s significance is being reinterpreted to justify present-day militarism—blurring historical memory with strategic ambition.
- Regional Ripple Effects: National capitals—from Tokyo to Taipei to New Delhi—must recalibrate their defense and diplomatic postures in response.
Ultimately, this parade wasn’t just ceremonial—it was a sophisticated fusion of high-tech muscle, nationalist narrative, and strategic coalition-building. China invited the world to measure the gap—and it’s now loudly insisting it’s closing fast.
AS-100, Chief of Asia
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