Last week, Beijing showcased a stunning military parade to mark the end of World War II, featuring advanced drones, stealth aircraft, and sophisticated anti-ship missiles. This event serves as a stark reminder of long-standing warnings from US defense analysts: China is rapidly advancing and could soon equal or even surpass the US in several areas, particularly regarding industrial capabilities. The dynamics in the region, especially around the Taiwan Strait, are shifting fast.
For Americans, this parade likely raises serious concerns. The military edge that has historically guaranteed our superiority, reassured allies, and deterred adversaries is diminishing. But there are deeper issues as well—our democratic strengths are also diminishing.
Back during the Cold War, having more tanks and larger missiles didn’t solely secure America’s victory. Our government system, complex and often flawed, played a crucial role. Our alliances, from NATO to bilateral agreements in Asia, were formed on shared values—like democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human dignity. Democracy was, in a sense, the amplifier of our power.
Today, however, those advantages appear more precarious—not because of external threats, but because of our own decisions.
Domestically, political division and dysfunction make it hard to present the stability that once defined American leadership. Under President Trump, our diplomatic approach has shifted toward a more transactional style. Using tariffs and threats to assert interests may yield short-term victories but erodes the long-standing trust and unity that underpin America’s influence.
This situation is worsened by Congress, which has ceded too much authority to the executive branch. Responsibilities related to war powers, trade policies, and budgeting have largely shifted to the White House. Such an imbalance can diminish accountability and weaken our strategic outlook.
The fallout can be significant. When America diminishes its own system or treats allies with suspicion, it inadvertently bolsters the narratives of nations like China and Russia. Beijing claims that Western democracy is failing, while Moscow uses political chaos in Washington to justify its own repressive measures. Authoritarian regimes may question, “Why should we take you seriously?”
Meanwhile, former allies that once looked to the US for reassurance are beginning to rethink their positions. Europe is discussing the need for more “strategic autonomy,” and India is pursuing a more independent course, even warming up to its historical rival, China. Close partners in Asia are also concerned about the reliability of US commitments.
The credibility of the US is further tested by the current defense policy under President Trump. His proposal to label the Pentagon as “the Ministry of War” may have political implications, but it sends a troubling message to our allies. America has never relied solely on military might; our strength has always been rooted in our ability to foster peace.
Even more concerning is the upcoming defense strategy draft. There are reports suggesting a potential shift away from focusing on China toward issues of homeland security and the Western Hemisphere. While protecting our homeland is crucial, it seems to downplay the challenges posed by China and the “axis of resistance” that includes Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The US can’t take a backseat when confronting global threats.
This isn’t to say we can neglect defense altogether. A recent bipartisan committee highlighted that the US is not adequately prepared for potential large-scale conflicts. It’s imperative to invest in cutting-edge systems, rebuild our defense infrastructure, and strengthen our alliances in both Asia and Europe.
However, concentrating solely on military assets may overlook a bigger picture. Competing with China demands not just military strength but also a revival of our democratic values. The world is watching to see if America can reclaim its role as a beacon of freedom and restore faith in its institutions, demonstrating that Congress and the executive branch can work together responsibly.
Upholding democracy isn’t just nice to have; it’s essential for strategy. The Cold War offers clear lessons: when our values are our strongest asset, we thrive. If the US forfeits its advantages, then the parades in Beijing and Washington become irrelevant.
