China's Military Parade: A Strong Message to Global Powers

Sat Sep 13 2025 05:54:58 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

China's recent military parade showcased its burgeoning military capabilities while signaling its growing geopolitical influence alongside Russia and North Korea. Observers note this as a response to US policies under the Trump administration.

During a grand military parade in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of China's victory over Japan in WWII, leaders from China, Russia, and North Korea presented a united front, showcasing new military technology and signaling a shift in global power dynamics. The event highlights China's quest to establish itself as a prominent player in international affairs, particularly in contrast to the weakening influence of the US.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stood publicly shoulder to shoulder on Wednesday, ahead of a massive military parade in central Beijing.

This parade, marking 80 years since China's victory over Japan in World War Two, unveiled a range of new military hardware including a nuclear intercontinental ballistic missile, hypersonic weapons, and even robotic drones. The display is part of Xi's broader strategy to underscore China's power on the world stage amidst evolving global dynamics.

BBC correspondents have analyzed the significance of this parade, suggesting it reflects a shifting world order where China aims to project itself as a counterweight to the United States and its policies, particularly amid ongoing trade tensions and the impacts of tariffs imposed under the Trump administration.

China's Ambitions and the Global Response

The optics of the event were significant: Xi's long handshake with Kim Jong Un and their public walk with Putin indicated a strategic alignment among the three nations. Trump responded via social media, accusing Xi of colluding with other global leaders against the US.

The parade itself was a meticulously choreographed display celebrating Chinese nationalism, punctuated by grand military technology showcases, signaling a formidable defense capability that could rival those of Western nations.

As Western leaders observe China's assertiveness in filling vacuums created by US withdrawal from global norms, there are growing concerns about a redefined geopolitical landscape where raw power and economic interests may take precedence over established values of human rights and territorial integrity.

Experts emphasize that while new military projects, including hypersonic weaponry and advancements in artificial intelligence, demonstrate China's rising capabilities, differences among these nations could prevent a solidified alliance. Thus, the international response remains cautious, as Europe and other nations reevaluate their strategies against an assertive China.