China’s Display of Power in Military Parade

On Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping was seen alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un during a significant celebration in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. This event marked the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II, serving as a dramatic showcase of authoritarian unity and a pointed message towards the U.S. and its allies.

The event prominently featured China’s first nuclear triad capability, which, notably, can be launched from land, sea, and air. This included enhanced intercontinental ballistic missiles with a range of up to 12,400 miles, alongside various new military technologies.

Xi remarked, “The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation cannot be stopped,” emphasizing his vision for establishing a “world-class” military. Earlier in the week, at a regional security summit, he called for collaboration against global “hegemonicism and power politics.”

While the parade highlighted new Chinese military technology, including drones and hypersonic weaponry, experts are expressing concerns. They suggest these advancements could threaten American interests and those of its allies.

A defense scholar from Singapore commented on the unveiling of China’s new battle tank, the Type-100, which showcases advanced systems like air defense and reconnaissance drones. In addition to these technologies, new aerospace and cyber capabilities were displayed, underscoring China’s push to compete in these critical areas.

Following the parade, Putin and Kim engaged in a private discussion that lasted over two hours. Putin extended an invitation for Kim to visit Russia, while previously thanking North Korean troops for their involvement in the conflict in Ukraine.