On September 3, 2025, Beijing’s Tiananmen Square was transformed into a grand stage for one of the largest military parades in China’s history, marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II. Officially dubbed 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 far more than a historical commemoration. It was a bold display of China’s military might, diplomatic influence, and ambition to reshape the global order. With Chinese President Xi Jinping flanked by Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and other heads of state from 26 nations, the parade sent a clear message: China is a rising superpower, unapologetically aligning with nations that challenge the Western-led international system. This blog post explores the significance of the event, its geopolitical implications, and the reactions it elicited from global leaders, particularly U.S. President Donald Trump.
A Display of Military Might
The parade was a meticulously choreographed spectacle, showcasing China’s advanced military capabilities. Over 50,000 personnel, including goose-stepping soldiers, marched along Chang’an Avenue, accompanied by fighter jets, helicopters, tanks, armored vehicles, and cutting-edge weaponry such as hypersonic missiles, intercontinental ballistic missiles (e.g., the DF-5C), laser systems, and unmanned underwater drones like the HSU100. The event culminated with the release of 80,000 doves and balloons, symbolizing peace but juxtaposed against the overwhelming display of military power. According to a Taiwanese estimate, the parade cost approximately 36 billion yuan ($5 billion), equivalent to 1.5% of China’s 2025 defense budget of 247 billion yuan, highlighting the significant resources invested in this show of strength.
The unveiling of advanced weaponry, including the J15-DT carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft and the hypersonic Dongfeng-61 missile, underscored China’s rapid military modernization. Military analysts noted that the Dongfeng-61’s vertical erector makes it harder to detect and target, enhancing China’s strategic deterrence capabilities. Xi Jinping’s speech emphasized peace through strength, asserting that China’s military advancements ensure it will never again be “bullied” as it was during the Japanese invasion in the 1930s and 1940s. This narrative aligns with China’s broader campaign to promote a “correct view” of World War II, emphasizing the Communist Party’s role in resisting Japanese aggression while downplaying contributions from the Nationalist forces (KMT).
Table 1: Key Military Assets Displayed at China’s 2025 Victory Day Parade
| Asset Type | Examples | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Intercontinental Ballistic Missile | DF-5C | Nuclear-capable, enhances strategic deterrence |
| Hypersonic Missile | Dongfeng-61 | Road-mobile, difficult to detect and intercept |
| Carrier-Based Aircraft | J15-DT | Electronic warfare capabilities for naval operations |
| Unmanned Underwater Vehicle | HSU100 | Advanced undersea drone for surveillance and combat |
| Laser Systems | Not specified | Emerging technology for anti-drone and precision targeting |
| Helicopters | 45-unit air wing (PLAGF) | Demonstrates air mobility and coordination |
A Diplomatic Coup for Xi Jinping
The parade was not just a military showcase but also a diplomatic triumph for Xi Jinping. The presence of 26 world leaders, including Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Myanmar’s junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, highlighted China’s ability to convene a coalition of nations, many of which are at odds with the West. Notably, only two European leaders—Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic—attended, both known for their skepticism of Western sanctions against Russia. The guest list also included leaders from Indonesia, Pakistan, Belarus, and several Central and Southeast Asian nations, reflecting China’s growing influence in the Global South.
The event marked the first time Xi, Putin, and Kim appeared together publicly, creating a powerful visual of solidarity among the so-called “Axis of Upheaval”. For Kim Jong Un, whose attendance was his first at a Chinese military parade in over six decades, the event was a rare multilateral engagement, signaling North Korea’s intent to balance its ties with China and Russia. Kim’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, accompanied him, marking her international debut and fueling speculation about her potential role as his successor. Putin’s presence, despite his status as a wanted man by the International Criminal Court for actions in Ukraine, underscored China’s defiance of Western sanctions and its strategic partnership with Russia.
The parade followed the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, where Xi hosted leaders like Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, further amplifying China’s diplomatic outreach. Modi’s absence from the parade but participation in the SCO summit highlighted the delicate balance of India’s relations with China amidst tensions with the U.S. over trade tariffs. Xi’s ability to gather such a diverse group of leaders, particularly from non-Western nations, was framed as a counterpoint to a declining U.S. influence, especially under Trump’s isolationist policies.
Geopolitical Implications and Western Reactions
The parade’s optics were not lost on the West. U.S. President Donald Trump, absent from the event, responded via Truth Social, sarcastically extending “warmest regards” to Xi, Putin, and Kim while accusing them of conspiring against the U.S.. However, in earlier remarks, Trump downplayed concerns about China’s global ambitions, suggesting that China’s economic dependence on the U.S. mitigates any threat. The Kremlin dismissed Trump’s accusations as “ironic,” denying any conspiracy. Western analysts, however, viewed the parade as a deliberate challenge to the U.S.-led global order, with Xi positioning China as a stable alternative amid Trump’s tariff wars and withdrawal from international aid.
The absence of major Western leaders, except for Fico and Vucic, underscored the deepening divide between China and the West, particularly over China’s support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict and its territorial ambitions regarding Taiwan. Critics in the West, including Taiwanese officials, questioned the parade’s cost and intent, arguing that it diverted resources from China’s economic challenges, such as youth unemployment and a sluggish economy. In China, however, the parade resonated with nationalist sentiments, reinforcing the narrative that China is a global power that “fears no one”.
Chart: Attendance of World Leaders at China’s 2025 Victory Day Parade
Domestic and International Perceptions
Domestically, the parade served as a rallying cry for patriotism, with state media and blockbuster films reinforcing China’s wartime narrative. Over 200,000 flags adorned Beijing, and floral arrangements depicted China’s resistance against Japan, fostering national pride. However, some Chinese citizens questioned the relevance of such a militaristic display in an era of economic challenges, wondering if it aligned with the “new China” of innovation and ideas.
Internationally, the parade was a polarizing event. For nations like Russia and North Korea, it was an opportunity to strengthen ties with China and project defiance against Western sanctions. For the Global South, China’s message of a multipolar world order resonated, particularly as U.S. tariffs strained relations with countries like India. Yet, for the West, the parade was a stark reminder of China’s growing military and diplomatic clout, raising concerns about its intentions in regions like the South China Sea and Taiwan.
Conclusion
China’s 2025 Victory Day Parade was a multifaceted event, blending historical commemoration with a bold assertion of military and diplomatic power. By showcasing advanced weaponry and hosting leaders from Russia, North Korea, and other non-Western nations, Xi Jinping signaled China’s ambition to lead a new global order, challenging the dominance of the U.S.-led system. The parade’s success in drawing 26 world leaders, coupled with its display of cutting-edge military technology, underscores China’s growing influence. However, it also highlighted tensions with the West, as evidenced by Trump’s pointed remarks and the absence of major Western leaders. As global geopolitics continues to shift, the parade will likely be remembered as a pivotal moment in China’s quest to redefine its place on the world stage.