Historic Unity: Xi, Putin, and Kim Showcase Authoritarian Strength at Beijing Military Parade

China’s Military Parade: A Show of Power and Unity

On September 3, 2025, China held an impressive military parade in Beijing, celebrating the end of World War II. This grand display aimed to showcase China’s military strength and rally support among authoritarian leaders worldwide.

Xi Jinping, standing atop the iconic Tiananmen Square, presided over a parade that lasted about 70 minutes. It wasn’t just about showing off tanks and fighter jets. The presence of leaders like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un alongside Xi sent a clear message of solidarity against the West, particularly the United States.

During the event, Xi declared, “The Chinese nation is a great nation that is never intimidated by any bullies.” His words echoed through the square as thousands of troops and onlookers cheered.

Analysts noted that this parade wasn’t merely for show. It reflected Xi’s determination to cement a new world order, especially in light of the challenges posed by U.S. policies. After the parade, Trump remarked on social media, “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America.” This statement underscored the growing geopolitical tension.

Public Reactions and Comparisons

On Chinese social media, users praised the military’s discipline and the modern hardware displayed. Some even compared it to a previous military parade in the U.S., saying, “China’s military parade: A showcase of national power. US military parade: A showcase of relaxation.” This commentary hints at a perception among citizens that China’s military might is formidable and on the rise.

A report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies highlighted this sentiment. Brian Hart, a fellow at the center, stated that while China faces internal challenges like corruption, its military modernization remains a top priority for Xi. “This parade is an opportunity to show off the PLA’s advances,” he said.

Rapid Advancements in Military Technology

China’s military has undergone significant changes over the last decade. Xi has shifted its structure from a traditional army model to a joint, multi-domain operation system. This includes focusing on advanced technology, reflected in the parade with displays of hypersonic missiles and laser defense systems. Many of these innovations were presented to the public for the first time, showcasing China’s rapid technological advancements.

In 2023, China was noted to have poured billions into military R&D, now making its navy the most substantial in the world. This increased military capability is not just about the size of the force but also its sophistication.

Geopolitical Implications

Though impressive, analysts caution against overstating the significance of this show of unity between China, Russia, and Iran. They argue that these relationships remain largely bilateral. Although the four leaders’ joint appearance at the parade suggested a strong alliance, it may be more symbolic than substantial.

While experts like Jonathan Czin from Brookings view this display as a “facade of partnership,” the actual strength of these ties remains uncertain. Recent events, such as U.S. air strikes on Iran, illustrated the limitations of this alliance. Even with verbal condemnations from China and Russia, they failed to provide substantial support to Iran during crises, indicating that their partnerships may not be as cohesive as they appear.

In summary, while the parade marked a significant showcase of China’s military aspirations and solidarity with some global leaders, the long-term implications for international relations remain complex and nuanced. China’s push for a new world order may face challenges from both internal issues and the realities of global politics.

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