China's Military Parade: A Display of Power Amid Changing Global Dynamics

Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stood publicly shoulder to shoulder for the first time ahead of a massive military parade in central Beijing, marking 80 years since China's victory over Japan in World War Two. The parade unveiled advanced military hardware, including new nuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles and hypersonic weapons.

This event is part of Xi's strategy to show Beijing's power on the world stage, presenting China as a counterbalance to the United States. Five BBC correspondents analyze the significance of the parade and its implications for the evolving geopolitical landscape.

An Enduring Image for China - and the World

Laura Bicker, a China correspondent, reflected on the political theater displayed at the parade. The long handshake between Xi and Kim followed by their joint appearance with Putin drew significant attention, especially in the context of Trump's previous accusations of Xi's collusion with these leaders.

Trump's Out, Xi's In - and What It Means for the West

James Landale, diplomatic correspondent, emphasized that China is positioning itself to fill the vacuum left by a less engaged U.S. This could lead to a world order where economic might overshadows human rights considerations, prompting concerns among Western nations.

A Clear Message to Donald Trump

Steve Rosenberg highlighted that the parade served as a direct counter-message to Trump’s "America First" approach, where Xi seeks to offer an alternative to U.S.-led global frameworks.

The Weapons That Worry the West

Addressing military innovations, Frank Gardiner stated that China's advancements in hypersonic missiles and underwater drones are causing alarm in military circles worldwide, showcasing a modernization trajectory that could rival Western capabilities.

Overall, the parade signals a changing geopolitical landscape, with different nations positioning themselves as counterweights to perceived American dominance. The alignment of these nations, although not without internal tensions, hints at a potential shift towards a multipolar world order.