On 3 September 2025, Beijing became the stage for China’s most grandiose military display to date. At dawn, under the watchful gaze of President Xi Jinping, more than 12,000 troops marched in perfect formation along Chang’an Avenue toward Tiananmen Square, with hypersonic missiles, underwater drones, fighter jets, and what was reportedly a weaponized “robot wolf” in tow
This Victory Day parade marked the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II—a chapter China refers to as the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression
It was not just a commemoration, but a statement: Beijing sought to broadcast its rising global stature both militarily and diplomatically.
Flanking Xi on the dais were two figures largely rejected by the West: Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. Their presence was symbolic—solidifying a visible alliance familiar observers deemed an “axis of upheaval”
Before the assembled spectators—reportedly more than 50,000—Xi delivered a striking address: “Today, mankind is faced with the choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, win-win or zero-sum.” He asserted that the Chinese people “firmly stand on the right side of history”
He further vowed that his nation “is never intimidated by any bullies,” echoing a recurring narrative of defiance in the face of external pressure
Xi’s rhetoric did not target any country by name, but the subtext—especially in light of strained U.S.–China ties, trade disputes, and escalating rhetoric—was clear
Indeed, the weaponry on display underlined his message. Visitors glimpsed hypersonic and intercontinental ballistic missiles, underwater drone subs, new cyber and electronic warfare units, and a complete nuclear triad—land, sea, and air capabilities—for the first time ever
Amid the pageantry, a surreal moment unfolded: a hot-mic caught Xi, Putin, and Kim in a chilling, private exchange about human longevity and organ transplants, even speculating about living to 150 or attaining immortality—a bizarre aside in an otherwise choreographed spectacle
Diplomatically, the event underscored Beijing’s growing solidarity with fellow authoritarian regimes. Analysts observed Xi hosting more than 20 visiting leaders in the days surrounding the parade—including at a security summit in Tianjin where he denounced “hegemonism and power politics,” thinly veiled criticisms of U.S. influence
Domestically, the parade served as a rallying point for national unity. By showcasing technological strides and military might, Xi bolstered narratives of China’s “great rejuvenation”—a journey from past humiliation to contemporary might
Yet while China celebrated, others reacted with unease. Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te condemned the militaristic display, insisting that peace cannot be commemorated with the “barrel of a gun” and reaffirming Taiwan’s democratic ideals
In the Philippines, defense officials viewed the parade—with its trio of controversial leaders—as an implicit threat, particularly to smaller nations
In Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in from afar via social media, sarcastically requesting Xi send “warmest regards” to Putin and Kim as they “conspire against The United States,” drawing a wry rebuke from Moscow
