‘Choice of peace or war’: Flanked by Putin and Kim, China’s Xi Jinping displays military strength on 80th anniv of WWII’s end

The Chinese parade is showcasing modern fighter jets, missiles, and other military might as Beijing seeks to build a greater influence on the global world order. The Chinese parade began after Xi Jinping made the inaugural speech as troops marched in rhythmic footsteps with their boots echoing off the pavement.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attend a military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan’s World War II surrender in Beijing, China. (AP)

Vision for New Global Order

Xi Jinping has touted World War II as a major turning point in the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” during which Beijing overcame the humiliation of Japan’s invasion to become an economic and geopolitical powerhouse. The military parade comes amid US President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs and volatile policymaking.

Military personnel take part in a military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan’s World War II surrender held in front of Tiananmen Gate in Beijing. (AP Photo)

Addressing the crowd of over 50,000 at Tiananmen Square, Xi Jinping said, “Today, mankind is faced with the choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, win-win or zero-sum,” adding that the Chinese people firmly stand on the right side of history. Xi, in his remarks, did not mention America but expressed his gratitude to countries that helped China resist the Japanese invasion.

China’s guests and Trump’s jibe

Chinese President Jinping invited Putin, Kim to attend the military parade alongside other world leaders to mark the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end. Jinping, along with Putin and Kim, arrived earlier at the historic Tiananmen Gate to watch the parade. Jinping shook hands individually with the guests as they climbed the stairs to a viewing platform overlooking Tiananmen Square.

As the parade got underway, US President Trump questioned whether Jinping would acknowledge the contributions made by the American soldiers who fought in the war. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America.” The US president had earlier said he did not see the Chinese parade as a challenge to the United States and reiterated his “very good relationship” with Xi.

(with inputs from agencies)

From the homepage

India, Russia ‘lost to deepest, darkest China’, says Donald Trump days after SCO summit

‘Inaccurate and misleading’: India rejects Navarro’s ‘strategic freeloader’ remark amid US tariffs

The Bengal Files movie review: Vivek Agnihotri’s film comes unstuck in its loose, confused stretched-out execution