China’s grand military display held on Wednesday aimed to establish itself as a leader in a new global order emerging while the United States faces a decline in alliances, according to experts speaking to CBC News. The parade, the largest in China’s recent history, featured advanced military equipment as Beijing commemorated the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II. Preceding the parade was a diplomatic summit where Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged with world leaders over several days.
Xi was accompanied by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, marking the first time in 66 years a North Korean leader attended a Chinese military event. These leaders, largely marginalized by Western nations, were seen as coming together to challenge U.S. dominance.
Vina Nadjibulla, Vice President of Research and Strategy at the Asia Pacific Foundation in Vancouver, stated that China’s carefully orchestrated events over the past week aimed to position China as the focal point of an “alternative global order” while the U.S. dismantles the post-World War II order. Nadjibulla highlighted that China is leveraging the strained relationships between the U.S. and its allies.
During the summit, Xi called for unity against “hegemonism and power politics,” a statement interpreted as a veiled criticism of the U.S. and its trade policies. Putin strengthened energy partnerships with China, and the gathering provided a platform for Kim to potentially gain tacit support for his nuclear program. Nadjibulla noted that while the display may not sway opinions in the West, it could influence regions like Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia where China has been actively fostering diplomatic ties.
The parade showcased new military assets such as lasers, nuclear ballistic missiles, and large underwater drones, with helicopters and warplanes flying in synchronized formations for 70 minutes. Nadjibulla emphasized that the display conveyed China’s readiness for any scenario, whether it be peace or conflict, signaling its strength and independence.
Aurel Braun, a professor at the University of Toronto specializing in international relations, remarked that China’s aim is to create an international system impervious to American influence. Braun highlighted that China seeks to assert itself as the primary global power, suggesting that nations align with China for progress instead of the U.S. He noted that this show of force could unsettle Taiwan and neighboring countries like Japan, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
For U.S. President Donald Trump, the parade was seen as a “humiliating” spectacle. Although initially downplaying it as a challenge, Trump later took to social media to assert America’s role in aiding China’s freedom during World War II. Braun contrasted Trump’s parade in Washington, D.C., with China’s display, indicating the stark difference in scale and impact.
The event underscored the perceived closeness between Putin and Xi, further isolating Trump in international relations. While Xi’s alignment with Putin and Kim was notable, he also emphasized the importance of international bodies like the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. Despite China’s growing influence, some countries remain wary of its economic and military power, including Russia and North Korea, despite their alliances. The ongoing tariff disputes initiated by the U.S. have contributed to China’s increasing global appeal.
