In the last two days, Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized that the Cold War mentality is no longer justified. Now is the time to give the world a new direction.
“We must stand against hegemony and power politics,” Xi said among top leaders from Asia and the Middle East attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.
While US President Donald Trump continues to preach the slogan of ‘America First’, Xi has been pushing the concept of global governance. Xi seems to understand that this can only be achieved by bringing regional powers on board.
At a time when the US is imposing tariffs on countries in Asia and the Middle East in one name or another, the fact that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are standing with Xi in Tianjin is itself seen as a form of resistance against the West.
Xi and Putin, who stood together at the SCO, were also seen together at a grand victory military parade in Beijing on Wednesday. They were accompanied by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Message to America and Japan
China fought a long war with Japan from 1937 to 1945. In this war, China lost a large number of manpower, physical infrastructure, and cultural heritage.
On September 2, 1945, China forced Japan to surrender, ending World War II.
China celebrates Victory Day with a public ceremony on September 3rd every year to commemorate the day it successfully defended its nationality, sovereignty, and independence.
The day features military parades, flower-laying ceremonies, exhibitions at historical museums, memorial programs, and activities to honor martyrs. It is seen as an occasion for national pride, patriotism, and remembrance of the historical struggle against Japanese aggression in China.
This year, China celebrated its 80th Victory Day. China claims that the Victory Day celebration held in Tiananmen Square was the largest ever.
In the military parade, China in particular has demonstrated its military power, organizational capabilities, and modern technology. It has displayed cutting-edge air defense systems, missiles, fighter jets, bombers, tanks, and more. An air show has also been performed. During that time, the number 80 was written in English letters in the sky to mark the 80th anniversary.
China has used military parades not only to demonstrate military prowess but also as a means of conveying political messages.
Chinese President Xi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, considered the world’s most powerful men, walked together in the front row to the military parade.
The message of modernization of the Chinese military
China held its first military parade in 1949. On October 1, 1949, a military parade with Soviet-style weapons was held to mark the proclamation of the People’s Republic of China.
From 1950 to 1959, China held annual military parades. Between 1960 and 1983, however, due to the Cultural Revolution and political instability, large military parades were suspended. Even if they did take place in some years, they were only for formality.
In the early stages, China used to hold a parade on October 1st in reference to National Day.
This year, China, in particular, is seeking to demonstrate unity among its anti-American alliance, namely China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, in a military parade for 2025. It also wants to convey a message of its growing global influence by bringing together leaders from Asia and the Middle East.
New nuclear weapons and new armored vehicles
China has also prominently displayed missiles capable of carrying extremely powerful nuclear weapons this time. It is believed that China has challenged Western countries by displaying intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Similarly, a new generation of military vehicles has also been spotted in Beijing in recent days. This eye-catching vehicle is slightly smaller than the previous armored ’99A. China has been using the ’99A’ model armored vehicle since 2011.
Opinion
Chinese President Xi is seeking to demonstrate the power of modern China and send a message that it is ready for global leadership.
By bringing together the 26 heads of state gathered at the SCO summit in a military parade, Xi is trying to send a message that China is now capable of leading the world. That is, he is sending a message that China is capable of both military power and political power.
US President Trump was increasing pressure on Russia, accusing it of committing war crimes in Ukraine.
The US has already been upset by the footage of Xi, Putin and Modi in a happy pose together at the SCO. The Trump administration is not able to digest the inclination of Indian Prime Minister Modi towards Xi and Putin. In this case, the North-South polarization (North-South Pole) is likely to intensify in the future.
If any nation only thinks of its own interests, it can never be a true leader. When Trump came, America imposed tariffs all over the world. Foreigners—whether they were refugees, students, or any other kind of immigrant—were being expelled from the country in an inhumane way. Yesterday, people around the world considered America trustworthy, compassionate, and supportive. But today, by thinking only of his own nation’s interests, Trump has left no room for anything else, giving other powerful nations an opportunity to unite.
