Xi Jinping's Tiananmen Military Parade: A Global Political Message Beyond a Simple Show of Force

On September 3, 2025, China held a massive military parade in Beijing's Tiananmen Square to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Second World War. Broadcast live by state media, the event was more than a mere military ceremony; it was a complex statement of China's domestic and international ambitions and its vision for a new global order. The presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean Chairman Kim Jong Un on either side of President Xi Jinping on the Tiananmen Rostrum drew global attention. This arrangement marked a historic moment, as it was the first time in 66 years, since 1959, that the leaders of North Korea, China, and Russia had gathered in one place, symbolically revealing a new alignment to counter the West.

The Display of a North Korea-China-Russia 'Anti-Western' Alliance and a New Global Order

The most powerful message of this military parade was the overt display of solidarity among North Korea, China, and Russia, aimed at forming a new axis to counter the existing international order led by the United States and the Western world. The deliberate seating arrangement, with President Xi at the center flanked by Chairman Kim on his left and President Putin on his right, clearly demonstrated the close political and military ties among the three nations. This was interpreted not merely as a show of friendship but as a declaration to the international community of a strategic alliance based on shared interests.

Throughout its long history, China has maintained a deep-seated vigilance against the hegemony of Western nations. This military parade utilized the historical narrative of the "victory against fascism" as a justification for its current "anti-Western alliance." The presence of over 20 heads of state on the Tiananmen rostrum, a strategic display of multi-lateral diplomacy, was intended to show the breadth of countries that either align with or remain neutral to China's new vision. This move sought to concretely realize China's ambition for a multipolar, rather than a unipolar, world order.

Strengthening Internal Unity and Consolidating Xi Jinping's Status

Beyond its external messaging, the military parade served as a crucial political event to consolidate President Xi Jinping's unwavering leadership at home and abroad. The attendance of all seven members of the current Politburo Standing Committee, as well as former leaders like Wen Jiabao, suggested that the Xi administration enjoys stable support within the party. However, the notable absence of former presidents Hu Jintao and Zhu Rongji left room for speculation about potential internal fissures.

A highlight of the parade was the ceremonial review, during which President Xi greeted the troops with "Comrades, how are you?" to which the soldiers responded, "Hello, President!" and "Serve the people." This scripted exchange served to confirm the military's firm loyalty to Xi Jinping and was a political rite designed to show the world that his power extends beyond the party and state, cementing his position as the nation's undisputed leader. This was interpreted as a clear signal of his intention to establish himself as a permanent leader of China.

The Role of a Peace Guardian and an External Message of Peace

While showcasing immense military power, China also employed a dual strategy of projecting itself as a "guardian of peace." In his speech, President Xi stated, "Today, humanity is once again faced with a choice between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation, win-win cooperation and a zero-sum game." This rhetoric was intended to convey that despite its growing power, China is a country that seeks peace and cooperation, not conflict, particularly in the context of its ongoing trade and geopolitical tensions with the United States.

President Xi also emphasized that China would "adhere to the path of peaceful development and work with the people of all countries to build a community of shared future for mankind." This demonstrated China's commitment to pursuing common prosperity through international cooperation, even as it emerges as a military superpower. Such a narrative aimed to offset the tension that a military display can create and to brand China not as a "threatening entity" but as a "responsible great power" in the eyes of the global community.

Showcasing the Latest Military Power and Proving Technological Prowess

The core of the parade, the military procession, featured a wide array of China's latest military hardware. Helicopter squadrons flying in formation carried a message of "China's prosperity," followed by infantry, equipment, and aerial units. Particularly notable was the harmonious procession of both "veteran brigades," symbolizing the Chinese Communist Party's role in the anti-Japanese war, and modern military units, showcasing the nation's contemporary might.

The parade included formations demonstrating advanced land, sea, air, and missile capabilities. Early warning command aircraft, fighter jets, bombers, and transport planes filled the skies, showcasing the full range of China's air force. This display demonstrated that China's military modernization has reached a significant level, solidifying its status as a major military power with self-sufficient technological capabilities. The live broadcast of the entire parade on CCTV and its global distribution served as a strategic means to effectively convey this message.

Conclusion: A Complex Strategy Beyond a Simple Commemoration

In essence, China's military parade was far more than a simple victory commemoration. Through this event, President Xi Jinping simultaneously showcased the unity between China, North Korea, and Russia, solidified his leadership at home, and projected an image of a "guardian of peace" while sending a strong warning to potential rivals with a display of its latest military capabilities.

The complex messaging of the parade reflects the intricate geopolitical landscape the world currently faces. The future trajectory of the "new international order" proposed by China and the response from the U.S. and its Western allies remain to be seen. This military parade will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal event marking a significant turning point in future international relations.