Chinese President Xi Jinping declared that humanity now stands at a crossroads between peace and war as China staged its largest-ever military parade on Wednesday. He was joined in Beijing by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, underscoring China’s growing influence on the world stage.
The massive military parade was designed to highlight China’s armed strength and diplomatic presence. It came at a time when US President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs and unpredictable policies have strained ties with both allies and rivals.
“Today, mankind is faced with the choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, win-win or zero-sum,” Xi told more than 50,000 people gathered in Tiananmen Square. He stressed that the Chinese nation “firmly stands on the right side of history.”
Riding in an open-top limousine, Xi inspected troops and advanced military technology, including tanks, drones, and missiles. Fighter jets and helicopters flew overhead in precise formations, trailing banners in the sky. The 70-minute showcase ended with the release of 80,000 white doves and colorful balloons, symbolizing peace.
Xi wore a suit modeled after Mao Zedong’s style as he welcomed over 20 world leaders on the red carpet. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto made a surprise appearance despite protests in his own country. Xi’s wife, Peng Liyuan, greeted several leaders in English, saying, “Nice to meet you” and “Welcome to China.”
As the parade began, Trump took to Truth Social, reminding followers of America’s role in China’s liberation from Japan. He added, “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America.” Later, Trump told reporters he did not view the display as a challenge to the US and emphasized his “very good relationship” with Xi.
Japan’s top spokesperson declined to comment but noted that China and Japan were building constructive ties.
Analysts say Xi has framed World War Two as a turning point in China’s journey from humiliation to becoming an economic and geopolitical giant. At a regional summit earlier this week, Xi presented his vision for a new global order, urging countries to unite against “hegemonism and power politics.”
“Xi feels confident that the table has turned. It’s China that is back in the driver’s seat now,” said Wen-Ti Sung of the Atlantic Council’s Global China Hub. He argued that Trump’s unilateralism has been more destabilizing than China’s so-called wolf warrior diplomacy.
Beyond the ceremony, attention is focused on whether Xi, Putin, and Kim will signal closer military ties. Russia and North Korea signed a defense pact in June 2024, and Beijing may consider a similar alliance with Pyongyang. Such moves could shift the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific.
Putin used the occasion to sign deeper energy agreements with China, while Kim sought implicit support for his nuclear weapons program. Kim, attending his first major multilateral gathering, became the first North Korean leader to appear at a Chinese military parade in 66 years. He traveled with his daughter, Ju Ae, whom South Korea’s intelligence believes may be his chosen successor, though she was not seen at the ceremony.
The parade also came at a time of internal challenges for Xi’s army. Over the past two years, more than a dozen top generals—many once close to Xi—have been ousted in a sweeping corruption purge.
“The parade allows Xi to highlight the progress in modernizing China’s military, while diverting attention from ongoing corruption scandals and purges within senior ranks,” said Jon Czin, a foreign policy expert at the Brookings Institution.
Security in Beijing was exceptionally tight. Roads and schools were closed, rehearsals were held at midnight, and thousands of Communist Party members and volunteers were mobilized nationwide to prevent any unrest.
By combining grandeur with symbolism, Xi used the military parade to demonstrate both power and confidence. For his critics, however, it raised fresh questions about China’s ambitions in shaping the future global order.
